Here Comes Goodbye

You're just putting a pot on the stove when you hear the familiar growl of an engine climbing up your driveway. You tense.

The car is driving slowly today, no music blasting through the speakers. She's taking her time exiting the car, not rushing out like she usually does.

This is really it, then, isn't it?

The end.

Your doorbell rings.

She never rings the doorbell, she just runs right through and into your waiting arms.

If you weren't sure before, you're sure now.

You walk slowly toward the door, drying your hands on a dishtowel. You stall as much as possible.

You both knew this day was coming.

Knew it ever since day one, when you both first laid eyes on each other.

You open the door, cautious: and she's there, and she's frowning, and she's beautiful.

"Hey," You say, but she avoids your eyes.

"Hey," She says back, her voice devoid of any emotion.

"Want to come in?" You ask, knowing full well what her answer will be.

She shakes her head. "That's not really a good idea,"

You both stand there awkwardly, you fingering your dishtowel and her gripping her car keys like it's the last thing on earth.

"Fabian…" She says, and you swallow, knowing and hating what's coming next. "I think…"

She trails off, staring at the ground, and you nod, trying to make this as easy as possible for her. "I know," You say, "This isn't really working out."

She swallows hard and nods, looking past you, into the kitchen. "I think we should break up," She whispers, her voice barely audible.

"Okay," You manage, and nod harder, looking up at the sky. "Okay."

She looks at you quickly, extending her right hand. "Friends?"

You give a slight shake of your head. "I don't think that's a good idea."

She nods, unsurprised. "Bye, then," She says to you, maybe the last words you'll ever hear from her in a long time.

"Bye," You choke out, and watch as she turns away, long brown hair swinging as she gets in the car and drives away.

You used to fantasize about marrying her, someday.

So you close the door and turn away, single and free for the first time since high school.

Too bad neither of you really believes in love, anymore.