He ran a hand through his messy hair, a wry smile playing on his lips.

He talked and talked until he finally hit a wall.

I just listened, watching the world go by, not saying a word.

He bowed his head, a moment of silence, then finally worked up the nerve.

"Nora, is there really… no shot for us? I'm not talking about now, but if… if my startup gets back on its feet, could we… try again?"

A light drizzle started to fall. I looked up and let out a small laugh.

"Nope."

He stood there in the rain, his clothes getting soaked, a profound loneliness radiating from him.

"Goodbye, Nora."

"Bye."

They say 'goodbye' has two meanings.

One is 'see you later.' The other is 'never again.'

Benjamin Stewart, I hope we never cross paths again.

I walked home, the warm spring sun a welcome embrace on my skin.

May in this northern city felt like the absolute peak of the year.

A young guy, sharp in a crisp white Oxford shirt, walked past, a dog in tow.

The playful pup trotted over, giving a few friendly woofs.

The guy seized the moment, his face blushing.

"My dog… seems to really like you. I was wondering… if I could maybe… get your number…"

He fumbled through the short sentence, words catching in his throat.

I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

When my laughter died down, I said, "Sorry, but no."

God took my capacity for love.

For the rest of my life, it's all about me.

The End.