i didn’t touch her.
but the air
between our hands
folded
like it once did
when closeness
meant undoing.
she left
before the door shut.
but her presence,
a tilt
in the chair,
a wrinkle
on the bedsheet
remained,
louder
than any word.
you don’t forget
the scent
of not-touching.
you carry
the warmth
that never reached
your shoulder.
i didn’t say goodbye.
but the room
still hears
her silence.
—