"One year from today, we meet at the reflecting pool on the mall. Right by the…" She jumped in. "Coffee cart. I know. One year from today." For just a second, she thought he was about to lean in and kiss her. Their hands were grasped together so tightly, and neither one wanted to be the first to let go. But then he did, and she reluctantly released his hand. Just as he was turning to walk away, he gave her a look that seemed to say it was her decisions and actions that put them on this path. The path that was leading both of them to the other side of the world. She watched his back as he walked toward the exit, and she had to fight to keep from crying. That quick look he had given her was almost an accusation. "This is all down to you. If you had made a different decision two months ago, we wouldn't be in this airport leaving each other for a year."
She turned to walk back to the gate. About a dozen steps later she stopped and turned to look back. He had also stopped and was staring across the terminal at her. She had a fleeting wish that he would come running across the terminal, take her in his arms, and beg her to run off with him. Cancel their plans. But it only took a second for her to realize it was far too late. Too many things were already in motion that couldn't be stopped. She wanted to smile at him, maybe give a little wave. But she couldn't do it - she never expected that she would feel so sad in this moment. She thought she detected the beginning of a sad smile from him, but it turned into more of a scowl as he turned away from her and continued toward the exit. Her face dropped. He really was blaming her for this. She reluctantly turned and headed back to the gate.