The Space Between Them

I watched their hand reach across the table.

The other hand reached back.

They didn't hesitate.

There was no moment of wondering

if it was okay.

Their fingers found each other

like they'd been looking for each other

the whole time.

I watched them laugh.

The laugh was different.

I'd never heard it before.

It belonged to someone else now.

The table was between us.

The hands were on my side of it,

but they weren't reaching for me.

I finished my drink.

The ice was loud in the glass.

They didn't notice.

They were too busy

leaning in closer,

closing the space

I didn't know they were closing.

I left money on the table.

Enough for my part.

I left before the check came.