Chapter 50: And They Lived…

I step out into the morning without a destination. Where do you even go when you’re looking for a run-away metaphorical princess? I notice her car still sitting in the lot and wander over towards the bay. A few joggers run along the path and I instantly spot her, holding up that plastic ring in the sunlight like a beacon. I stroll over to her with a smile, trying to catch my breath as my shadow towers over her. “I didn’t think I’d catch up to you in time.”

Her mouth hangs open as I sit down beside her, eyes a swirling mix of emotions. Maybe I should say something to ease her nerves.

“I’m sorry.” she blurts out.

My mouth suddenly becomes dry. “Is that your way of rejecting me?”

“No. Yes. I—” She stares at me, those chocolate swirls I’ve come to know so well spiraling. “I didn’t mean to ruin your dream. You had everything and then I stepped in and—”