"Hey," he said.
It was a crowded room. People reunited with open smiles here and there exchanging cards back and forth. A brightness seemed to flow from the ceiling outwards around and over. The past and present were guests.
It was a light room.
He continued, "Hey remember when--?"
But I heard nothing more. Had I forgotten his distinct features? My memories fuzzed up at the edges. Hazy. Chiseled jawline, confident smile, gentle eyes. Had I forgotten?
"I remember when I first saw you."
Memories snapped. Why? Why was he trying to make me remember this? The past was bubbling up along with the me I had killed a long time ago. But did I want to remember? Familiarity. Longing.
Perhaps in the end we can't help but linger.
So I looked at his face. Hoping for something. But instead seeing nothing. His presence was gone and I had woken up.
"It was only just a dream."
