Too Many Miles

May 31st, 2021

Molly pushed open the door, allowing the bitter smell of coffee to waft into her nose. Her eyes scanned the small cafe, looking for one specific person. Normally, her heart would flutter at the dark haired girl. But today, it simply sank.

She forced her legs to walk to the table her lover sat at. One foot in front of the other. Finally, Molly arrived at the table. Phoebe must've immediately realized something was off, because she wasn't wearing the usually bashful grin that took its place on her face when she saw Molly.

"You've been crying?" Phoebe had a softened glaze on her face. "Is something wrong?"

Molly shook her head. "No, dear, I'm well." She willed herself to look into Phoebe's blue eyes, such a perfect shade she wanted to dip into and swim in, eternally peaceful.

"Okay, well." Phoebe paused, gulped, and shook her head, seeming to be deep in thought. "We both have news. How big is yours?"

Molly looked away. "Extremely big. Like, huge deal." Her eyes met her lap and stayed there, feeling almost too guilty to look at her devoted partner.

"Oh. Mine is really big too..." She trailed off again. "Here, why don't we write it on a napkin and exchange it that way?" A soft smile hit her lips, which made Molly grimace at the realization that her love did not quite grasp the severity of the situation. But nevertheless, Molly agreed, always content to do whatever Phoebe pleased.

Phoebe stood up to get two napkins and a pen from the counter. She sat back down and went to write, but faltered, and scribbled out what she originally wrote. Beginning again, she finally seemed fulfilled with her message. Phoebe folded her napkin in half and handed the second napkin and pen to Molly, waiting patiently.

Molly picked up the pen, and furrowed her brows. She wondered if Phoebe would take offense to writing such life altering news on a piece of paper, as if they were school children writing notes, but she wrote it anyway.

Phoebe took a deep breath, sent her partner a reassuring smile, and the two exchanged notes.

Molly unfolded the napkin, and her heart dropped.

I don't think our relationship should continue further. Phoebe's napkin read

I'm being transferred to France, and I want you to come with me. Molly's read.

Molly crumpled the napkin, seething. "Two years. Two fucking years and you break up with me via napkin? What the hell is wrong with you? I thought things were okay! We weren't even fighting!" Her shouts turned to sobs halfway through her rant, utterly heartbroken at the sight.

Phoebe's eyes were watering, tears threatening to spill. "I saw the letter on your desk. I already knew you were moving to France. I figured when you called me here you were going to break up with me and then leave. You've just been so distant lately, I didn't know what to think."

"Well, I received the letter of transferral two weeks ago. I was debating on asking you, because I knew that if you said no it'd be over for us." She paused. "If you only broke up with me because you thought I was going to do it first.." Molly could feel her heart thumping in her chest. "..Would you still come with me?"

Phoebe looked down. "Molls, you're my life and joy. But, I can't leave. I don't speak French, my family is here, and I have a stable job. I'm so sorry, love. I wish I could."

It was like Molly's entire world shattered. She stumbled backwards, shock rummaging through her body. "Oh." Was all she could muster.

Phoebe reached out, and grabbed Molly's hand. "We could still be together, you know."