"My friend just died a couple of days ago.."
She starts, her eyes on the verge
of wet sorrow

"I went outside with another friend,
and when I came back
she had died."

I nod my head, and rub her shoulder
I don't know what to say.
I just listen

"You know, if God wants someone you
can't stop Him. You can't
tell Him 'No.'"

She looks me directly in the eyes and
I can see my reflection
in her irises.

"No. When God wants someone you
let him take them because
it's what's best."

She breaks eye contact and mournfully
stares at the table,
dabbing her eyes.

"She had been going downhill, and now
she is in a better place but...
I miss her."

I nod once more, and glance across
the table, where an empty place
has settled there.