Things That Are Easy To Lose

Bookmarks. Ear Buds. Wallet. Grocery Lists. She wanted to easily forget and lose him. Like a ring of car keys. Like a lint-flecked beret. Like a pair of bent-wire eyeglasses. He was becoming reliably repetitive. His questions and routines were now devoid of any impressions, substance, or the least bit of meaningful weight. His every word, every gesture—all too easy to ignore. Like a wet paper towel. A wrapper from a peppermint candy, minus the mint scent. Like the stale air after days of relentless rain, she wanted to release from her high-rise window. What do you want to do today, Love—it’s Saturday, he crooned like a confused crow. Oh, I don’t know—whatever you want, she half-squawked back. Well, the summer will be here soon, he beamed. Why don’t we shop for some new sunglasses or umbrellas to protect us from the sun—or maybe—matching pairs of flip-flops for our upcoming beach vacation? After all, we have the same size feet. For once, she went speechless. Not willing or able to give away or lose another word. She slipped like an envelope, quick and clean, under the door.