isoulation

Sipping coffee in fits and starts, she waits for him to join her table. He holds a conversation with the cashier - a very unnecessary exchange. He lingers too long.

She is not able to hide her impatience. Eyes wide, she raises her eyebrows. Her gaze threatens to torch the cafe.

When he does sit down, she berates him and sighs with annoyance.

“Why are you so interested in the barista?” she frames the question to focus on her competition.

“She seemed nice. What gives?” he retorts.

This tension leads to their separation. The circular table, like a private island, was not enough forced isoulation to keep him from dreaming of other shores.

“Is my love not enough?” she forces a conclusion. Her insecurity pushes him away. He leaves the cafe. Shaking his head, he feels confused. He is tired of proving himself to her.

Weeks later, in the same cafe, she sits alone patiently reading a book.

“What consumes you?” A stranger poses this question and makes an observation. “You look so peaceful when you read.”

She looks up at him. No one has noticed her in a long while. She greets this stranger with a smile, her teeth shine, like pearls.

This stranger quickly becomes a friend, then more than a friend.

They laugh together. She meets his friends. He is proud to show her off. He gives her his attention and affection.

With the right person, you’ll know where you stand. You will experience empathy, not distance. You will reach the summit of existence: love. The right person will not test your limits, but instead exhibit patience. The right person will be worth the wait, not flirt with the waitstaff. With the right person, you’ll laugh. Your relationship will last. You’ll grow stronger and speak the same language. When they pass, it will feel as if the flags should be hung at half-mast. Not even death will separate your intertwined hearts, and your story will continue on its trajectory. You will surrender and give God glory. You will be reunited in heaven and continue the adoration. You will learn many, powerful lessons. Your soul will go on unending. Remember, this is not THE END.