analytical demise *part one

The air is opaque tonight. I can't see a thing past my nose and it matches my mood. I try to glance at my watch to check the time and when I realize I can't see it, I also realize it doesn't matter. He'll be here, for sure he'll be here.

When the thickness of the air starts to compromise my lungs, I go inside and grab a table. The waiter approaches and before he greets me or even stops he asks what I want to drink. I hesitate and use the silence to force eye contact with him. When he finally sees me, he appears inconvenienced that I took another moment of his time.

"Tea, please."

Minutes pass and a couple walks in. They're holding hands and she glances up at him every so often just to smile. He seems to have no idea how lucky he is - it almost appears that he doesn't realize the interlocking of their fingers. She's just a pet, but she doesn't seem to mind. It seems as though she prefers it this way - no respect, recognition or appreciation is required, just someone to parade around with convinces her she isn't lonely. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose. They order, he pays, they leave. This kills me. I smile for the first time today thinking about women who believe he cares just because he pays. It's absurd and seems like prostitution to me. What's worse though is they're not only prostituting their bodies but also their minds and hearts. I start to wonder what love is like in communist nations when all of a sudden I hear myself saying "stop". I know why I said it too. My thought trains tend to get me in trouble because I have proven to myself that I don't know when to stop. I can turn an intelligent, genuine thought into an irrational pile of words with no meaning.

Without a moment to spare, he walks in. I immediately stand to greet him and am forced onto my toes for the hug. He towers over me in a way that makes me feel like I could fit inside him. That thought alone makes me feel safe in his presence. His confidence is so contagious it makes me feel sexy instantly and his smile is so intoxicating that all negative thoughts disappear.

I remember what I came here for and get right to it.

"I need you out of my life. You are everything I could ever want and make me happier than any person ever has. You're smart and you're funny - but you're empty."

He's looking at me like he wants to laugh at a bad joke but is silenced by a petrifying fear that I'm being serious. I saw him pulling himself together to speak but before he could I continued.

"The words you use are empty. The things you feel are empty. By the untrained eye, you're smooth - but I see how your actions are gauged by the people around you. I need someone who is going to be consistent and proud of what they have to offer.

Silence.

Don't you see? You are the worst kind of offender because you have everything to offer but nothing to give. You - sweet, beautiful, smart you -are empty. I love what you have the potential to be and I already miss what I thought you were. I need for you to be out of my life."

I stood up while he stared at me in disbelief. I threw a few dollars on the table, kissed his lips and left.