the unseen footprints

The image struck a chord deep within her. An unexpected chord, something she had no control over. She safely tucked the photograph into a yellow package, no one would ever know.

She held onto the package for dear life. The sidewalks had been walked on a thousand times, it helped her process what was going on. She passed the sign of a local coffee shop again and again but never found the courage to step inside. He was waiting for her, waiting to talk about the package she had been carrying around. Something within her wanted to run away but something else inside of her told her he was worth staying for.

The handle of the door was pulled down and she stepped inside. The warmth of the room began to reach the cold that was hanging off of her bones. Their eyes met and she moved forward. That empty seat and freshly made coffee was waiting for her along with the man sitting at the table. The package in her arms was pulled tight against her body as she walked across the room.

He pulls the chair out for her because that's what gentleman are supposed to do. Slowly, she seats herself. He holds out his hand but if she meets him halfway her package isn't secure. Both hands stay wrapped around her in an effort to keep the package close by. Full of compassion, he asked her about her week wanting to know more about why she had become so upset lately. Her eyes attempted at creating barriers so that the sadness would not pour down her face. She couldn't do it, she couldn't tell him.

This feeling inside her yearned to pour out every insecurity she had and place them in his hands. She knew he would not take advantage of the notion. Yet this other force inside of her told her to stay guarded. The walls have kept her safe for so long, why let them down now? Lock him out, never tell him your secret. He will leave you.

The photograph represented her past in such a clear, heart wrenching way. How could she ever move on?

She was about to put everything on the table, visible to him and everyone else in that quaint shop. The package slid toward the middle and he reached for her hand to show her it was okay. He promised he wouldn't leave but the anxiety of him walking away consumed her entire being. She could see his footprints so clearly as his mocking tone rang words of disgust. She opened the package and let his eyes fall on what she had been hiding from him.

He held her so close. There were no footprints nor hurtful words thrown at her.

He promised to never let go.