BRAND NEW PERSON

-I-

When you texted me that it was over, I was having dinner at Juan’s Flying Burrito with Brian and Anna.

I read what you wrote and then I looked at my phone like it was trying to hurt me.

Anna asked if everything was okay.

I turned to her and said simply, “No.”

Behind me, someone laughed and I imagined smashing one of those large glass margarita goblets against his head.

The food arrived. I ate, but with every bite I grew more anxious to throw up when I returned home.

Brian and Anna assured me that I was misinterpreting the message. “He says he just wants time to sort things out. He’s not ending the relationship.”

I knew better.

Because I know you.

And it’s exactly what you would say — so you didn’t have to tell me the truth.

-II-

I wish I could remember the last thing I said to you.

But after you told me, “I just need some time,” everything went black.

At some point in the night, I deleted the text thread and erased your number.

I’m sure I responded, because I always need to have the last word.

But it doesn’t matter.

I lost anyway.

-III-

I feel embarrassed wasting my words on you.

But I can’t stop myself.

The worst part is that, I can’t stop giving to you — handing over huge chunks of my time and my most vulnerable emotions.

Watch me stumble away.

A disfigured corpse of someone who used to look just like me.