For the moments I feel faint.

Paths

At first we walked side-by-side, keeping pace with one another and sharing in each other’s joys. Our roads were different, yet strangely parallel, headed in the same direction.
But one day, the paths began to diverge. First, it was a subtle shift, but soon it became undeniable. I tried to forge a new path in between - one on which we both could travel. But instead of assisting in the endeavor, you began to walk away on your separate path. I pulled at your sleeve. “Look!” I said, “This center path - it has room enough for two. It may not be paved or as easy to follow, but we can help each other along the way and reach our destination together!”
You spoke no words - of agreement or otherwise. You simply turned back to your own trail and kept walking, now faster than before. I was shocked. Upset. Angry. Panicked. I called your name. No answer. Again. A simple glance over your shoulder. You kept walking. I tried to follow you, but you quickened your step and put more distance between us. I saw my road getting further and further. I saw the path up ahead where you were walking - only wide enough for one. I slowed. You were now a silhouette on the horizon. I stopped. I had to return, despite the pain I felt inside, to my original path.
I grew weary of your apathy. So, ironically, I gave up. I stopped, and became apathetic myself. You kept walking. There was no sense in chasing down someone whom I would never catch, along a path on which I could never join you as before. There was no sense in going to the trail I created for us both - I couldn’t press on through the mire, waiting and hoping for you to come to it, with the constant reminder that I was walking alone on a path built for comrades. No, my only option was to return to my original road.
One day, you turned around and realized that I was no longer following you. You became angry that I had abandoned you. That I had walked away. But I didn’t abandon you. I, myself, was abandoned. You are not a victim.
I never stopped caring. I stopped trying with all my might to make you care.

I truly hope our paths converge again one day.
I hope that we will laugh and cry and share our stories.

Until then, I hope that your road is lined with flowers and bejeweled with every happiness imaginable.