An Old Friend

“Do you still love me?”1

I hesitated. I did not know how to respond. I asked the same question many times but hearing it from you now, I forgot the way I must answer. So I just told you the truth. “Yes. It would never change and pass, right?”2

You nodded your head and smiled but sad nothing. I wished you said something, anything.3

I turned my head and searched for Vincent in the crowd. Not far, he was talking to some of his friends, oblivious to our conversation. Our Siberian Husky was obediently sitting on the ground while a couple of Pomeranians were barking madly. “See that man?” I asked you, pointing at him. “I am in love with him now.”4

“I hope he makes you happy.”5

“I am happy with him. He has quite a temper sometimes but I wouldn’t stay for two years with him if I’m not. And you, are you happy with her?”6

You nodded again. “Five years together and more years ahead.” Your expression suddenly changed and turned serious. You looked at me in the eye and said, “But sometimes, when we fight, I can’t help but tell her how I wish you were a woman instead. We would have been the ones together now.”7

It was my turn to nod my head and smile, saying nothing. Were you also wishing that I say something, anything?8

Vincent called out to me and waved. “Well, I must be going. It was so nice seeing you again,” I told you.’9

“I’m so glad we’ve crossed paths this afternoon. I’ve missed you.” We shook our hands and said goodbye, you turning back and walking away with your briefcase, me turning the other way and walking into the arms of my beloved. Perhaps later, you and she would see each other, eat dinner together but you would not mention that you met me.10

“Who was that?” Vincent asked.11

“An old friend.” I replied, taking his hand as we walked down the road littered with the somber colors of fallen leaves. Our dog picked one and carried it in his mouth as we went on. I looked back and saw you look back to me at the same moment. You smiled and waved. I returned your pleasant gesture. 12

An old friend, I repeated to myself. I breathed in the cool fresh air of that beautiful afternoon. It filled my lungs with comfort and joy but from deep within, it came out as the softest of sighs.13