Parting of Ways

The grass crushed softly beneath our feet, as we made our way to the lake. It was our last evening together, and after 5 years of togetherness, we had finally decided to part ways.

“Shall we take the longer route today,” he asked.

I nodded in agreement, and continued along the rocky path. We walked in silence, occasionally broken by the chirp of a bird, or the rustle of fallen leaves. The lake was as serene and calm as ever and as we settled ourselves beneath the tree nearest to the bank, he began to throw stones into the lucid lake- an old habit of his. The stone sank with a soft plunk, and sent ripples all around, disturbing the calm of the lake; perfectly mirroring my inner feelings- calm, yet disturbed.

“I'm gonna miss you,” he said.

“Me too.”

Not another word was spoken. My mind was buzzing with thoughts, as though waiting to empty itself to him and even in the silence it felt as though hundreds of words had been exchanged.

“It’s getting dark. I guess we should leave,” I said, desperately wanting to end this meeting.

A part of me wanted to stay with him, to look into his eyes forever, and to explore the colossal world that his presence took me to. Despite wanting time to stop, I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. He stood up in assent, and I just followed.

The night sky was scattered with stars, and our path was illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. We walked faster, not wanting to get lost in the woods. As we reached the edge of the forest which was brighter with people returning to the town from work, he said, “So…''

This was the moment that I had dreaded the most, though I was waiting for it eagerly.

“I'll see you'', I said, as I turned and began to walk back home. I didn't turn back or wait for him to respond. I did not want to bid him farewell. I did not want the memory of our last meeting to be tampered by tears and grief. This was going to be a new beginning for us, and we would not let the ghosts of our past cloud our future.