I wanted to write about how people can grow apart.
There was no notice, just the force of Artemis.
We took in the tender grace of moonlight in silence, whilst waiting for the initial pain to settle in as the tides. Then I spoke up, despite my deserted mouth, “it’s been a while.” The crash of the ocean sends saline along the cliff edges; as if in mockery, but I took no offense.
He hummed. I saw him, from the corner of my eye, slowly returning his gaze to me. While mine stayed locked on the moon’s obscure reflection in the waves. “You seem at ease,” he said; in place of our usual compliment exchange before the moon. I still heard the same smile in his voice, the same tone full of endearment.
“Thank you,” I whispered. I weighed my options for a reply and finally settled on, “and you sound relaxed.” He chuckled, “I am very much so.” He lay back on the grass. I didn’t follow; I stayed hugging my knees. “Do you want me to start?” he asked. Knowing him and me—the listener and the chatterer, respectively—I shook my head. “Let me.”
“I’ve never understood how people grow apart. I assumed that growing apart signaled the lack of effort. I was foolish to think that it’s as simple as tending to an open wound.” I choked on air, following it with a despaired chuckle. “But it’s making more sense now. Bonds swirl in your soul, so the wounds cut deeper.” I paused.
“I think I have a better understanding now that I’m experiencing it myself. I can better differ breaking up and growing apart. I believe we flourish in the absence of one another. Growing; just not in each other’s company.
I truly believe that there is someone else who can best accompany you in your journey. And I refuse to take their chances by holding onto the roots of a vine that has trailed its blossoming flowers so far away from me.”
“I believe that too.
It was great with you, but I’m better without you,” he pulled the words right out of my mouth. The perfect conclusion for our closure. And only then did it feel real. The serenity from growing apart dawned upon us. Moonlight gently bathes the ill feelings away, to be swept by the dark waves of the ocean, forever kept in its depths.
We are tides. The moon pulled us together. It is only fair to let it push us apart once more.
We didn’t break each other. We simply grew apart.
Pojok Sastra adalah kolom terbuka untuk tulisan jenis puisi, resensi, cerita pendek, dan opini. Dikurasi langsung oleh redaksi Economica.id.
