As it begins, so it ends. without doubt, without end, its hooks shall linger. for only through grief shall we know we have lived and loved.
- PTC
The wind fans my face and I sigh in relief as the dripping sweat dries. “I love a brisk walk,” I think. The smell of food blends into the rain dirt air and I breathe it in. I love it here. I always will. I turn to tell you but I find your eyes already on mine. There’s that sharp faraway look in your eyes. The one that comes just before a stab. I brace myself.
“What,” I blurt
“I’m sorry,” you say
“Just say it. No need to butter me up first. It doesn’t make it better”
“I’m so sorry,” you repeat, and I realise.
“It’s us, isn’t it?,” I say blinking back tears
“I-
“Don’t bother. I should have known you’d take the coward’s way out anyway,” I throw out and I hit my mark.
You pull back like I’d just slapped you. Maybe I did.
“I’ll do it for you,” I steel myself and the ice glides through, “It’s over, Julia. We should never have started. Isn’t that what you were going to say?”
I turn around and leave you standing there mouth agape wondering what just happened. I know what’s happened, you’ve broken us like you always do. I’m just mad I always let you. This time it’s final. I promise myself.
I close my eyes and feel the breeze on my face. I’ll fall apart later. I have time. After all, it’s been a long time coming, so for right now, I’ll enjoy nature and all its glorious sounds. God forbid I let you take even that.
- Ayo
