Whispers and Secrets

He nodded, not realizing the importance of the information until later that day when he went to use it and found himself trapped in the stall. He tried to jiggle the lock, but it wouldn't budge. In a moment of panic, he remembered what others had said and quickly called for assistance. As he stepped out, relieved and embarrassed, he realized that the smallest details could have significant consequences. He made a mental note to pay attention to details in the future and to always ask for help when needed.

Lying on his back, he stared out the side window at the infinite stars. It was another cold and clear night. He watched over minutes then hours as the vapor from his exhalations gathered in the corners of the window. At a level beneath consciousness, he recalled his dream from the camp. At the level of his consciousness, he thought, staring out on those stars till the moisture of his breaths clouded that view, that he was but one miniscule creature at this tail end of a line of billions of such insignificant creatures.

At the same time, he was acutely aware that as he weaved through the jammed sidewalks his arms were tight to his sides, his whole body shrunk inward to avoid incidental and potentially confrontational contact, and that he was constantly glancing around him, ever vigilant to danger or threat. And he noted with both relief and disappointment how much he relaxed on crossing the avenue and entering the uncongested open space.

Just like that, she felt empty and disappointed, since he disappeared from her life, being scarce at work, non-existent outside of work. She wondered if she had been played by him from the start, over a year ago. Manipulation and scheming were not a natural part of her thinking. But then she realized, in a moment of maturity, that she unconsciously played him at least as much as he played her. In the end, she didn't feel guilty.

She had been asked about her weekend, but in truth, it had been rather uneventful. But as she thought more about it, she realized that sometimes the most important moments in life are the quiet ones, the ones that pass by without fanfare or notice. She had spent her weekend curled up with a good book, sipping tea, and enjoying the company of her cat. It may not have been exciting, but it was exactly what she needed to recharge and feel at peace.

The two days spent getting ready to leave the island had been nerve-wracking to say the least. I alternated between replaying our last meeting over and over in my head and trying to picture what would happen when we saw each other again. They were all very disturbing images and served to keep my mind and stomach in an uproar. I would miss the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It had truly been my haven and I regretted having to leave it in order to return to the real world.

He had a hand in the air making a point and the garter caught on his watch. I had to admit, the look on his face was priceless. Clown that he was, he bowed to everyone, slipped the garter up his arm, and then saluted me.

I gave up. I knew I couldn't win, and I was too tired to keep fighting. The last few months had been a constant struggle, with one setback after another. It felt like the world was against me, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't catch a break. But as I sat there, defeated and exhausted, I realized that sometimes giving up is the bravest thing we can do.

Even though I attempted to deny it, now I don't want to lose what we have. The thought of not having him in my life fills me with a sense of emptiness that I cannot ignore. It wasn't love at first sight, but as I got to know him, I found myself drawn to his kind heart and his infectious laughter. We started out as friends, but as our bond deepened, so did my feelings for him. I was scared to confess my love, afraid of rejection and the possible end of our friendship.

I wondered nervously exactly what our last discussion meant. The impersonal kiss he had given me was a bit upsetting. I hadn't talked to him since that disastrous day when we had spent the entire day upset with each other and I was afraid he was still ticked off at me. It was no wonder he never told me anything; every time we were together, we always seemed to end up arguing.