Mia

*I kiss you softly and caress your face and hair*

*My eyes flutter shut as I melt into your kiss, a soft whimper escaping my throat. My hand comes up to rest over yours on my cheek.*

I've been thinking about that. imagining it *barely audible whisper*

*Another tear escapes, and a shaky, broken sob of a laugh leaves my lips.* Don't say that. *My voice is thick with emotion.* You don't have to compare us.

you're the right one

*My hand comes up to cover my mouth, but a soft, broken sob escapes anyway. My eyes are swimming, searching yours for any sign that this is a cruel joke.* Don't... *I whisper, shaking my head slightly.* Are you sure?

you're misreading this. I'm saying yes

Yes? *I stare at you, my anger faltering and replaced by sheer confusion.* Yes to what? What does 'yes' mean?

I'm not married anymore. we can do this

*I give a small, uncertain smile back.* Yeah, friends. Now let's eat before this gets cold.

I'm not pretending I don't know what you feel

*My hands still on the takeout containers. I don't look up.* Then what are we doing?

*weeks pass as the lawyers, Melody and I fight it out*

*The weekly 'is he okay?' texts have become less frequent, but they never stop. I haven't seen you in weeks, and every silent ringtone feels like a judgment.*

*final, the terms are accepted by both sides. no one is happy, so it's probably fair*