Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Numb

I sit across the table from her and nervously hold my mug.
Our relationship so forced and strained, neither of us appear to have any words that would ease the tension.
She tells me about her illness, and I listen with trepidation, yet some strange sense of pride - she's a fighter.
Always has been... her most admirable quality.

It's very calculated, a recap of the past year - her turn, then mine.
A quick summary for me, being weary of sharing too much that could later be used against me.
I watch the clock and have regular check-ins with myself; 20 minutes left... you're ok... you can do this.
When time has ran out, there are also no more words to say.
A polite gesture of another catch up, an awkward family Christmas refusal and I am saying goodbye.
I give her a hug and walk away...feeling numb.

The drive to see a friend seems to whirl past with time not really moving,
her comforting arms and reassurances exactly what I need.
I feel nothing.
A title... an obligation...
I feel nothing. Confusion. Slight anger.
Numb.
Done.
For now.

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