Departure

It rained that afternoon in late October: The day you left.

I stood there in the rain, and watched you go. As you left, time slowed to a crawl. I could see every single drop of rain as it fell and broke upon the earth. I remember exactly how many steps it took you to walk to your car: Eleven. Each step took an eternity. Each eternity tore apart my heart until nothing was left.

I tried to speak, but no words came. I just watched you go. I stood there.

I stood there in the rain, and watched you go.