The Space in Between

Chapter 17

I've walked on this street a million times before, and I know everyone on this side of the city. Mr. Charles who owns the coffee and bakeshop, Mrs. Brown of the laundromat, Geoff who manages the pizzeria. On the other side of the street lies the jewelry shop of Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds, Cristina's flower shop, and the Peterson's salon. I used to greet them and always have a small chat whenever I pass by, but not today. I only nod and smile when they catch my eye.

I reached the end of the block as if I walked thousands of miles.

I was standing on the edge waiting for the signal to change, when I saw someone familiar. He's standing on the other side of the street facing my direction.

I suddenly became stiff, my heart started to beat fast, I felt like I'm going to lose my breath, and the surroundings turned hazy.

It was my ex-boyfriend, Ethan.

The signal changed to green. I made every step with difficulty as if there are metal chains clinging on my feet. He's not moving nor my eyes as I lay it on him.

I swallowed as I made my last step towards him.

"Hi." I heard him say.

I said hi back but I don't think he heard it. It seems there's a lump in my throat so I repeated, "Hi."

"How are you doing?" He asked and acted casually as if we're friends.

My mind debated whether I'm going to tell him the truth that I'm not okay to make him feel guilty or pretend that I'm okay so he'd feel bad for leaving me without a word. "I'm doing good." These words came out and I wasn't convinced.

He didn't seem to notice so he continued, "Where are you heading?" I can sense he's trying to make the conversation light, I gradually felt the oxygen was now back in my head.

"Just going to get some groceries." I heard myself saying.

"Do you mind if I join?" He asked again.

I knew this was coming. You, dumb ass! Why do you have to tell him where you're going? You're not even friends. Don't be a fool.

He noticed my hesitation so he said, "It's okay if you're not comfortable. I'll just walk you up there, I also need to buy some things."

I nodded, and we started to walk. No one tried to initiate a conversation until we reached the supermarket. We looked at each other, nodded and went our separate ways.