Some Endings Start with Old Flames
It's Thanksgiving, and I'm waiting for Zeke Jones to come home after cooking up an extravagant meal.
When Zeke returns, he doesn't even glance at the meal I've prepared for him. Instead, he proceeds to pack a bag.
"I can't celebrate Thanksgiving with you this year," he says.
I take another bite of my turkey and say nothing.
At the stroke of midnight, Zeke's first love posts a new photo on her social media page.
In the photo, she's lying on Zeke's back with a bright smile on her face. The moon outside the window is bright.
"Happy to spend Thanksgiving with good company," her caption reads.
Instead of hysterically questioning Zeke about the post, I just tap on the "like" button without reacting in any way.
Zeke calls me. His voice sounds panicked as he tries to explain himself. "Please don't misinterpret the post. I will definitely spend Thanksgiving with you next year…"
I freeze for a few moments, letting out a small laugh. I don't offer him a reply.
Next time, he says?
Oh, Zeke, I'm afraid there won't be a next time.