How Fast Recognition Happens

I didn't see them at the counter.

Just the back of their neck,

jacket collar turned up against the cold.

Then I saw them.

My body went to water.

I've been training myself not to do this—

years of it undone in three seconds flat.

They waved the cup away.

Changed their mind like always.

I left before they could turn.

Spent the evening vibrating,

hands shaking so bad

I spilled my own coffee

on the parking lot concrete.