relief

I remember her faintly, standing here in this place.

She had looked me in the eye, demanding my own gaze. Nails leave the impression of moons on the back of my hand, while I had kept my grip loose on hers.

She gives a- admittedly, unbeknownst to her- final squeeze to my fingers, but only as she turned her back to me. It's here when she takes her first step forward and gives a gentle tug on my arm.

And then it is here, with leleadened feet, I stayed.

Her fingers slipped from mine, and, at last, I did not reach for them again.