I sit up straight

and avert my eyes,

refusing to return

your penetrating stare.

Blinking back tears,

I watch the car

in the next lane.

I turn numb.

A drop falls down,

smudging my makeup.

I pretend to listen

but your words fade

and all I see

is the morning rain

pounding the window.

When the car finally slows

I escape from this prison.

You say,

“I love you”

and I slam the door

in your face.

A sob escapes my lips

as I run for cover.

I weep silently

trying to regain control.

I act like I am fine.

I am not fine.

But I can’t

fake it anymore.

And I cry.

I cry

and cry

and cry

in front of everyone

but I can’t stop

and they’re too busy to notice.

Before my day

has even begun,

it’s my worst day

all year.