Pretending you’re happy won’t fade your frown. Standing on the bridge’s edge won’t change what you did. Your walls crumble when your lies boil over. I caught you throwing an engagement ring, for which I’d paid, into a chilled, dark river over fear. You feared losing control to the memory of an autumn kiss. Your cracked lips made mine bleed. You shook off your dress. My eyes watched until your bra hit the floor, and I couldn’t walk out the door.

(© 2022 AC)