No goodbye. No reason. Just silence where you were. I read the last message like it might change words. I tell myself “whatever.” My hands don’t agree. No closure, no note, no clean little end. So I say it again till I almost pretend: O-KAY, O-KAY— I’m fine, I’m fine. O-KAY, O-KAY— right on the line. I’m fine—O-KAY, O-KAY. Don’t ask me to explain. No closure, no note, just your name in my brain. I dance like it’s nothing, but it isn’t the same. I’m fine—O-KAY—(I’m not), but I’m here anyway. I won’t block you. I don’t chase. I just circle the empty space. Friends say, “You’re good.” I nod too fast. I hate that the “last” isn't the past. If you’re done, be done. Don’t leave me halfway. Don’t leave me guessing what you won’t say. O-KAY, O-KAY— I’m fine, I’m fine. O-KAY, O-KAY— I’m lying in time. I’m fine—O-KAY, O-KAY. Don’t ask me to explain. No closure, no note, just your name in my brain. I dance like it’s nothing, but it isn’t the same. I’m fine—O-KAY—(I’m not), but I’m here anyway. I say “I’m fine” like it pays my rent. But you left me mid-sentence. I don’t need love— I need an end. So I count to four and start again. O-KAY… (quiet) O-KAY… (still shaking) I’m fine—O-KAY, O-KAY. Don’t ask me to explain. No closure, no note, but I’m cutting the chain. I dance through the doubt till it burns out of range. I’m fine—O-KAY—(I’m not), but I’m here anyway. O-KAY, O-KAY— let it fade, let it fade.
