They bid farewell to one another, sidehugs and kissess. A hot summer day. An overwhelming afternoon.

Until again. They all promised. And parted.

They were both in love, or so they thought. He, always a little more than her. She, always falling short. They both stood, ready to part.

What is it about life that can’t let you stay? Can’t let you squeeze and hold tight, while the whole world goes about its business. It doesn’t really matter if you don’t want to play, life’s intervention will budge in like an unplanned middle child. Exhilarating and appalling, and one that has to stay. Are we really living a life, or are we an experimental group for someone observing the act of life?

He held her close. She closed her eyes, and took a deep long breath. Somehow she wanted this moment to be stretched however long was permitted…