Written for the CMBYN Microfic Challenge, using the prompt 'Lewis Capaldi - Before You Go'.
It's been so many years, so much time spent perfecting the image of him in my mind.
How his eyes crinkled as he smiled. How happy and carefree he was.
I had almost forgotten about the sadness hiding underneath the surface.
"Was there something I could've said?" I ask. "To make things better?"
He shakes his head, looking tired. His eyes darker.
"If I'd had known…"
If I had allowed myself to see his hurt. If I hadn't been too wrapped up in myself.
He takes my hand, a pained smile on his face.
"It's good to see you again."