...goodbyes are

"I missed you." 1

My words were always thousands of times clumsier then what was in my heart or even my mind. Inside, I had said something clever - something to make you smile. But when I touched your arm and opened my mouth to say anything, even, "Hello, stranger", the only thing that came out was an ugly, vague confession.2

You turned towards me while pulling away from my touch, graceful as always. Your lips tried to hide the frown in your eyes, but I know you realized I saw through your lie.3

"Not even a 'hello'?" 4

You tried to make a joke, too, and I realized that maybe it wasn't me who was making this so awkward.5

Although, I didn't -have- to stop you in the middle of the street. It was by chance that I saw you leave a store, and I could have turned around and took the other way home. But instead I walked right up to you and tripped over my thoughts... as usual.6

"I missed you too," you said gruffly, after a quiet moment. I felt a wry smile cross my face at the oddity of you trying to be something like 'macho'.7

"How long has it been?" Laughter was pushed into my voice, but my ears couldn't hear it... so I hoped you would miss it, too.8

You knew me better then myself, though, and after a slight hesitation, wrapped me in a comfortable embrace.9

Suddenly it felt like the rest of the world was rushing by - people pouring out from nowhere, pushing through the streets violently to continue their 'supremely' important lives. Your warmth protected me so many times - even then, when the only danger was inside.10

"I'd loved you," we both whispered at the same time. It was eerie, and stopped the rush of emotion instantly.11

We let go of each other simultaneously, smiling too. Even now, we were the same; we were ready to move on.12

A wind picked up, and you nodded, then moved on your way with a practiced ease. 13

I stood there, for a few moments, letting the loud world return to my senses.  14

Afterwards, I'd wondered if you'd even been there at all.15