Starry Night

The clock struck midnight and I flicked my cigarette to the ground. I took a heavy sigh and looked up at the sky. Even under the street lamp, the stars were bright and visible. The night sky was the only redeeming quality to coming home. Well, that and Abby.

The bells continued their slow echoing ring. The fairy tale was nearly at its end. I can't say I'm surprised she didn't come, but hope never died.

It was here we first met. It was here we first kissed. Here on the corner of Fulton and Main was where I was truly happy. Now it was nothing more than the fading embers of a dream all but extinguished.

The bells fell silent and I was left alone in the darkness. The cold didn't touch me but the sinking realization chilled me to the core. Despite myself, a shiver ran up my back. I was out of time. I let go of my bouquet and let it fall beneath the street lamp to make the final resting place for what was, hooked my thumbs in my pockets, and walked away to start my new life without her.