I Write Sometimes
Impasse
We sat comfortably on opposite sides of the couch, facing each other, talking easily. Our conversation causing us smile and laugh together.
After one rueful laugh we sat in silence looking upon each other. Slowly I saw her smile fade and she looked away.
The stillness continued for a few moments more before she rose to her feet and walked to the door.
She paused upon reaching it, then turned towards me. I could see a melancholy resolve in her eyes.
“Time for me to go?” I asked gently, and she nodded.
“Okay” I replied.
I collected myself and made my way toward the door. As I approached her, I thought to give her a simple hug and kiss on the cheek, but she shifted to keep distance between us, and I did not press further.
My attempts at eye contact were avoided as well.
“I had a wonderful time.” I said softly.
She summoned an obviously pained smile, and said she had too, then we exchanged quiet goodbyes.
I stepped out past the door, into the quiet hallway of the apartment building, and I heard her close the door behind me.
I stood there for a moment, then heard what sounded like her back hitting the door and sliding down it.
Pausing a moment further, I then turned back towards the door and spoke her name, then asked “Are you alright? Was it something I said?”.
Still silence hovered for several moments.
My mind had decided I should leave, but before I could react, I heard her voice “You didn’t do anything wrong, I’m OK.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to talk? I don’t like leaving you like this.”
Silence hung again.
I turned and let my back meet the door in an obvious manner and slid down it as noticeably as possible, mimicking her to let her know I was there.
Wrapping my arms around my knees I considered what I should say, if anything.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to sit here for a while, OK? If you need me, I’m here.” I finally offered.
Again, there was silence, but it didn’t last long before I heard her say “Thank you”.
And there we sat, together yet apart, in quiet company. Our proximity providing comfort despite the barrier between us, until at last (some hours later) she finally bid me goodnight.
We sat comfortably on opposite sides of the couch, facing each other, talking easily. Our conversation causing us smile and laugh together.
After one rueful laugh we sat in silence looking upon each other. Slowly I saw her smile fade and she looked away.
The stillness continued for a few moments more before she rose to her feet and walked to the door.
She paused upon reaching it, then turned towards me. I could see a melancholy resolve in her eyes.
“Time for me to go?” I asked gently, and she nodded.
“Okay” I replied.
I collected myself and made my way toward the door. As I approached her, I thought to give her a simple hug and kiss on the cheek, but she shifted to keep distance between us, and I did not press further.
My attempts at eye contact were avoided as well.
“I had a wonderful time.” I said softly.
She summoned an obviously pained smile, and said she had too, then we exchanged quiet goodbyes.
I stepped out past the door, into the quiet hallway of the apartment building, and I heard her close the door behind me.
I stood there for a moment, then heard what sounded like her back hitting the door and sliding down it.
Pausing a moment further, I then turned back towards the door and spoke her name, then asked “Are you alright? Was it something I said?”.
Still silence hovered for several moments.
My mind had decided I should leave, but before I could react, I heard her voice “You didn’t do anything wrong, I’m OK.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to talk? I don’t like leaving you like this.”
Silence hung again.
I turned and let my back meet the door in an obvious manner and slid down it as noticeably as possible, mimicking her to let her know I was there.
Wrapping my arms around my knees I considered what I should say, if anything.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to sit here for a while, OK? If you need me, I’m here.” I finally offered.
Again, there was silence, but it didn’t last long before I heard her say “Thank you”.
And there we sat, together yet apart, in quiet company. Our proximity providing comfort despite the barrier between us, until at last (some hours later) she finally bid me goodnight.
