Fate

I jog down
the country road
Trees on either
side of me
My ponytail
swishes in rhythm
Autumn leaves crunch
under my feet
I keep running.

His memory
follows me
We used to
run together
Once, we'd
been great
We were the
envy of all
Not anymore.

My slick shorts
lap my legs
My sweatshirt
chases the chill
October colors
surround me
Then a car
approaches
It's him.

I gasp but
keep my cool
I keep running
praying hard
The car slows
the window lowers
I slow, too
as he stops
My mind spinning.

He speaks
in that tone
I tremble
but respond
We look
at each other
He asks how
I've been
I've been fine.

Neither wants
to say it
The dreaded
words of fate
The ones that
decide forever
But we're scared
and uncertain
What is right?

He has to go
work awaits him
I say OK
then stupidly stare
He begins to
pull away
I muster up
the courage
Wait a minute...

I still love you.