When I woke up this morning, you were gone.
I guess I thought that this time you would stay. But as I opened my eyes there was a dent in the pillow where your head used to lie. I reached over and touched the spot where only last night you had fallen asleep after we loved each other. There was no warmth there. You had left long ago.
I turned to lie on my back, staring at the ceiling and wondering what I had done to send you away this time. Did I say too much? Was I too needy? I tried to hold back but then…I could not. Not really.
Is that why you left?
A noise within the apartment catches my attention, and I turned my head to look at the open door. It is the sound of pans clanging together.
Scrambling out of bed, I pull on my robe, slip my feet into the slippers at the edge of the bed, and leave the bedroom.
The scent of waffles and orange tea waft over me. Your back is to me, but I would know it anywhere. A thousand miles away and I would know those shoulders. That hair.
You turn then and smile.
My heart begins to race in my side.
You are here.
“Jim.”

May 8, 2020 at 4:09 am
Oh this. So much this. Lovely and haunting and loving and beautiful. Well done!
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May 8, 2020 at 6:37 am
Thank you!
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May 8, 2020 at 4:23 am
Scared the heck outa me there.
Nice recovery, Iv. Well, Spock/Iv, but nonetheless. Waffles and orange tea DO cover a multitude of …fears.
I hate that “did I say too much, do too much” thing in the pit of the stomach. That idea that you don’t get to be exactly who you are and love exactly the amount you love and it be acceptable or they leave.
I hate that for everyone who experiences that kick in the gut.
Nicely done, Spock. Drama queen! You knew exactly what Jim would go through before he found you in the kitchen!
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May 8, 2020 at 4:33 am
Yes, scared the heck out of me too for a moment there. But oh, Jim stayed and is making them breakfast 🙂
So great
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May 8, 2020 at 5:59 am
OH! I had it backward! Thanks for straightening me out on that. Duh.
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May 8, 2020 at 6:37 am
Yes sorry for the confusion but this is Spock’s point of view and he feared Jim had left not the other way around
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May 8, 2020 at 6:46 am
Not your fault. I overlooked the obvious.
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May 8, 2020 at 6:00 am
I totally ran right over “heart in my side.” I should go back to sleep.
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May 8, 2020 at 6:38 am
Yes Jim stayed 😀
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May 8, 2020 at 9:51 am
This story scared me. At first, I thought it was Jim realizing that Spock didn’t stay and wondering why: “Did I say too much? Was I too needy? I tried to hold back but then…I could not. Not really.” The history of past pain is revealed in these poignant words. It’s heartbreaking thinking that you aren’t enough to make them stay and that your love isn’t enough to carry onward together! It’s heartbreaking to think that if you reveal yourself that you will be rejected. 💔
But no, the noise is Jim making them breakfast. He’s staying. This is “it” for both of them. In the morning, Spock is just overcome with the sight of Jim, who is staying.
I wonder if Jim knows what Spock just experienced? The utter devastation of thinking he’d been left alone again. Lovely story!
❤️💚🖖😘
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May 8, 2020 at 9:54 am
I guess I figured the picture of Spock was enough for readers to guess this was Spock’s POV. Guess that’s what I get for assuming. 🙂
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