It was her favourite picture. She was sitting on his lap, taking a sip of his beer (of which he hadn't let go). His other arm was wrapped around her waist. They were both a little tipsy and a lot happy.
Violet stared at the photograph, which she kept in her desk, since it was too much of a guilty pleasure to keep it on her desk. It reminded her of better days, fewer problems and stronger friendships. It reminded her of how much she missed him. God did she miss him.
"Do you remember, way back when we used to hang out?" This was silly, talking to a photograph. She shook her head. But, it was more than she'd gotten with the real thing, recently.
"Way back before you had a girlfriend," she paused, "and before you didn't need me anymore. Back when I made you coffee and you made me smile. It seems like a long time ago."
It wasn't. Maybe a month, she wasn't sure. Usually she could tell time by the number of pizzas she had on her tab.
"We used to have fun, you know. We used to... look after each other. I'm not sure I know how to look after myself. It's lonely without you."
The photograph stared back at her, Cooper's wide grin made her squeeze her eyes to stop the tears.
"I miss you. I miss us. We were good together. We work. Or, we used to. I think," tears wet her cheeks now; she made no attempt to stop them. "I think you...used to love me. Way back when."
She took a deep breath; she was baring her soul to a photograph. "Missing you made me realise: I love you. I..."
"Violet."
She jerked around, blinking away the tears so she could actually see. Cooper stood, leaning on the doorway, poised to say something more.
"Oh. Oh! You heard, didn't you?" She stood up, dropping the photograph on her desk. He walked forward and picked it up before she could.
"Violet." He said again.
She turned around, looking out her window. She covered her face in her hands, trying anything so she wouldn't have to face him.
"No, I'm sorry. I'm just...very sorry. I shouldn't have –"
"Violet." His voice was closer now, and she could feel his hand on her back. "I still do."
She turned around and found him even closer than she imagined. "Wh-what?"
"You said I used to. I still do."
She shut her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to ward off the dizziness.