Brighter Than My Porch Light

When a Rotten Feeling Is Healed by Scrumptious Food

Waiting in the conference room, I skipped my breakfast again. I hope this meeting won't take long.

I don't like to be left alone with my thoughts. I wonder where my lawyer may have gone.

A woman with the bubbliest smile entered the room, saying, "Good morning!" She placed her disorganized bag and enormous tumbler, which was spilling, on the table first.

She's wearing a two-button blue Lara Piana blazer, a white Nello Cucinelle dress shirt, and brown Oxford shoes.

"Hi, I'm Wendy. It's nice to meet you."

Finally.

For hours, we discussed contracts and exchanged questions and answers. We also delved into unrelated topics like travel and fashion.

She's talkative, and I like it. She never stops smiling; it's great to see someone so happy. It's contagious.

She sounds so intelligent, just a bit disorganized but intelligent. She has a pleasant voice and glowing skin.

I was thoroughly enjoying her company, so I invited her to lunch.

The nearest shop is a vegan restaurant, and I'm glad she's health-conscious like me.

She ordered a Miso Tofu Wrap, and I ordered Roasted Ratatouille.

We talked about this city, food, and perspectives in life. She told me how she questions everything, and she's never satisfied with a simple answer, always pushing people to think deeper. I find it thrilling.

Finishing her banana smoothie, she asked, "Why are you sad?"

"What do you mean? I'm not sad," I answered quickly.

"Your eyes. They reveal how broken you are. Eyes can speak the language of pain. You might laugh, but there's a moment that would strike you, reminding you of something you've been trying to avoid."

"I know a heartbroken person when I see one," she continued.

It's a tell-tale sign that she's also heartbroken. It's like I'm looking in the mirror.

Our conversation took a serious and deep turn.

"Daily arguments and conflicts. Mornings for arguments and evenings for making up. It was a rollercoaster ride," I said.

"Rollercoaster rides are supposed to be fun. What made you guys walk away and not stay for the long haul?"

"Our priorities changed. Attention shifted. I had to set her free for her to fly high."

"There's beauty in the bravery of letting go of someone you love."

I turned my body towards her, placing my hand on her shoulder, and said, "Okay, enough about me... what's your story?"

She chuckled and gathered her thoughts. It took a minute for her to answer, putting down her fork and saying, "Well... my job and lifestyle ruined us. I promised her it wouldn't affect us, but it did, and I became complacent, thinking she wouldn't leave me... but she did."

"Oh, you took her for granted?"

"Yes, I did. I guess I need to have faith and let time heal the pain while hoping to improve myself."

She said she got so disoriented after the breakup. She became messy and gets distracted easily.

No wonder she's a bit disorganized; even her dress shirt now has creases. She told me her pad was a mess and her sleeping schedule was hopeless.

"When was the breakup?" I asked.

"Just a couple of months ago."

"What's her name?"

"Joy."