Bittersweet

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Over the hum and grind of the machines, people chattered away nonchalantly enjoying their steamy cup of joe.

Our meeting was bland and dark. It’s hard to believe there was a time I used to talk his ear off. We were together ages ago and when he invited me for coffee today I still couldn’t say no. But, where did all this formality come from? Our richness was gone. The perfect blend of sweet and bitter was gone.

“Are you still angry?” he asked.

“I was never angry.” And I meant it. Hurt yes, but never angry.

“All this time?”

“All this time.” What a silly question, I thought. Did he forget? I could never stay mad at him for long.

He was silent for a while.

“Do you hate me?” he asked quietly.

I couldn’t help it. I smiled.

“Why are you smiling?” he looked hurt.

“It’s nothing.”

“Tell me. Please.”

“No, I don’t. I never could.” I was still smiling at his naïve question.

“Why not?”

“Why does it matter?”

“It matters to me.” He could barely look me in the eye.

Sigh. He never really understood, did he?

“I loved you. I loved you with all my heart. Only that should’ve mattered.” I answered looking straight in his eyes

He didn’t ask me any more questions. The coffee was good but it had left a bitter taste.