And just like that it was finished. A sentence, a tear and a small, nervous smile waft over the wall that had been erected between us, silently isolating our hearts once more.

5 months floated between us as she returned my now still heart, cold and unfamiliar – I tossed hers back to her in mock gallantry, as if I wasn’t phased; happy to be friends once more – only to find myself curling down inside myself, huddling against my ego for warmth.

Our lips meet, for one last time my heart struggles a beat as it settles back into my chest. I look into her eyes, glistening and scared. My face is a monotone smile, without the colours of expression drained from it as I make an attempt to stay strong. I scream for my lip not to tremble but it will only obey for so long.

She picks up her bag and the socks she left once before, and leaves without a word, retreating to the glare of the day and escape of her car. Standing on my porch I watch her car pull away. She wipes a tear from her face and for the last time, I wave.