There was nothing to do but watch the sun shine through crooked blinds and smile at unimportant things. We enjoyed each other's quiet company in the small quarters where we shared breathing space. I listened to his unsteady heartbeat, my head against his chest, and rode the fall of each exhale.
He whispered, "this isn't going to work," but I pretended not to listen. I pretended he didn't ruin everything we never had. We pretended together and stayed suspended in our small space for that moment. Alone. Together.