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.”