this morning #2223.

this morning, from all the way down at the other end of the hall, he called out her name. she turned toward the sound of his voice, realized who was yelling to her and, with a roll of her eyes, turned away. haphazardly started packing her bag. confused, he called her name again. slightly louder. less desperate. she kept gathering her things. didn’t even look up this time. he took two steps toward her but then stopped himself. there was no mistaking. she’d definitely heard him. any remaining doubt he had immediately drained away but every bone in his body & every impulse in his brain told him “it’ll be ok. go talk to her anyway.” he fought off the thought. let her collect herself & walk away. chose to be an adult for once. chose to live in the pain.