His eyes moved slowly up from his drink. The smoke filled room could not hide the sadness and disappointment in her eyes. Her once brilliant green eyes were now being engulfed by an ocean of tears and crimson. Streaks of black mascara tore down her cheeks, escaping the pain he had caused.

“I’m sorry,â€? his voice cracked, “I…â€? His eyes dipped back down to the safety of his whiskey. Ice clanked against his glass as he picked up the drink, sloshed it around for a few seconds and returned it to the cardboard coaster thanking him for patronizing McShane’s Tavern.

He couldn’t muster up the courage to look at her again. The pain he saw in her face was like a bullet piercing his chest; “this is what heartbreak feels likeâ€? he thought.

The table shifted. Out of the corner of his eye, her black dress cut through the smoke filled room. Unable to watch her leave, he stared at his glass, watching the ice slowly melt.

“Hey buddy, it’s closing time,â€? a voice called to him.

“I’m sorryâ€? he said and began to sob.