I broke down before you showed up. Crying shaking. You knew as soon as you saw me. I couldn’t even look at you because the comfort you posses would have made me breakdown again. You followed me asking what was wrong as I floured zucchini. I kept my head down so far I felt like nothing existed other than the pan of flour and your voice. That night you were doubled over on the box freezer holding in your organs in. I told you to go home & that I would stay the extra hour for you. You said “no. You had a bad day too.” I smile and say “not as bad as whatever this is. You look pathetic.” I walked back inside. You hobble in a couple minutes later to gather your things. “I’m air hugging you because you don’t like to be touched”. I wrapped my arms around you and told you good luck getting home.

















