Silence

The aftermath of a relationship can be a confusing labyrinth of emotions even decades later.  Recent email exchanges sent me on a whirlwind tour of sadness, joy, and frustration – all familiar territory for anyone who's ever loved.

Knowing that someone sees your soul laid bare, like the lines on the palm, is a powerful indication of intimacy. Knowing that you see someone's soul laid bare, like the lines on their palm is equally powerful intimacy. When two people know each other so well, It can be comforting, a testament to a shared history! But it can also be maddening when that intimacy curdles into silence. The emotional rollercoaster is real – sadness for what might have been, anger at missed opportunities, and a constant "what if" playing on repeat.  We cycle through these emotions, yearning for a different path, a different ending.

Sometimes, silence speaks volumes.  Perhaps, there are unspoken reasons, a "greater good" given the number of lives we have entangled over the years, that necessitates us staying apart, even if it hurts.  During these times, the things left unsaid speak volumes. The most important conversations might be the ones we have with ourselves, reconciling the past with the present.

Amid tranquil reconciliation and acceptance, the longing for the smile that initially captivated me and ignited a flame still endures. My only prayer and hope is that smile intact on their face and nothing ever changes it. "When I say nothing at all," silence isn't about ignoring the past or forgetting our connection. It's about acknowledging the complexities of life, the choices that were made, and the unspoken, that often conveys more than words ever could.