Ivo left.
I looked at Elio, who was still there.
"I don't have any intention of starting a new relationship anytime soon."
Elio was caught off guard by my directness.
"Don't feel pressured, I just want to be good to you, Honey."
It had been a long time since I'd heard my pet name.
A moment of daze.
It felt as if Mom was still here.
After being discharged from the hospital.
I found some time while Ivo was at work.
To go home and pack my things.
I called Elio to come help me move after he got off work.
He hadn't arrived yet.
We hadn't taken any of our shared memories.
I only took my personal belongings, the plants from the balcony, and my diary.
It contained seven years of our relationship history.
This would be the last time I'd cry over Ivo.
No longer in love, but still attached.
I looked around and noticed the cactus Ivo had given me later was gone.
Never mind, it wasn't mine anyway.
Footsteps approached from outside.
I thought Elio had arrived.