Our Way

“What brings you here today?” Amanda asks.

“Um.” He hesitates. “I’m… I’m not … doing so well.”

I frown and stop what I’m doing so I can concentrate. The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

“Tell me about what’s going on,” she replies.

“I, … I had.” He stops.

My heart drops, he’s struggling to talk.

“Take your time,” Amanda says softly. She’s kind and caring, I can hear it in her voice.

“I just…” He pauses again. “I broke up with my girlfriend and I don’t seem to be able to move on.”

“Okay, I see. How long ago did this happen?”

“Six months.”

I frown. Wait. Is this from before we reconnected?

“Have you seen her since?” she asks.

“No.”

Oh shit, it is before we saw each other again.

“I see.” She listens for a moment. “And why did you end your relationship?”

“She left me.” He sighs sadly.

“Why was that?”

“She didn’t love me enough to stay.”

“What’s her name?”

“Eliza.”

“Did Eliza tell you that?” Amanda asks.

“Yes, and she moved to New York to get away from me.”

My heart drops.

“Were there any issues between you?”

“A million,” he replies, monotone, I close my eyes as I am transported back to the darkness.

“Tell me about Eliza,” Amanda says softly.

I hold my breath “She’s the most beautiful person I know. Selfless and sweet.”

“You sound very close.”

“She’s more myself than I am,” he replies softly.

My eyes fill with tears.