Breaking Up is Hard to Do

“We should talk,” they both blurted at the same time as they walked hand-in-hand toward the park near Vanessa’s house, eliciting a small laugh from both of them.

“You got first,” Vanessa said.

“No,” Tim disagreed, relieved to have a respite from his uncomfortable topic, “I insist.”

She stopped. They had walked less than half-of-a-block so far, which was fine. The walk was just an excuse to get out of the house. Tim was no fan of long walks in high-heels, despite how often he found himself on romantic strolls with his dates. It made his feet hurt, his legs ache. Even though the shoes were made for his feet, his feet weren’t made for them.

He did miss walking, though. His old life had been much more solitary. Having no love prospects, and only one close friend, Tim would often go for long walks to sort out his feelings. It made him feel at peace to hear the sound of the wind the trees and his shoes in the gravel.

Now, though, he could hardly resist putting on the highest heels in order to show off his calves whenever he left the house. It made walking recreationally difficult. Going out with his girlfriends for short walks would probably be he closest thing he’d get, unless he found a way to convince himself that hiking gear was sexy and flirty.

“Last night was hard,” Vanessa said, turning to him and taking both of his hands in hers, “hearing you with Nancy. I thought I’d be okay with it, but it wasn’t as easy as I had hoped.”

Tim was silent. If that was what she was upset about, what he had to say would make it so much worse!

“I really enjoyed our time together the other night,” she continued, her face stoic, her eyes not quite meeting his, “but I didn’t think it would be this difficult. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I can do this.”

“Vanessa…” he began.

“No, let me finish,” she cut him off, “you are a wonderful young man. You’re smart and attractive, and you’re great for Nancy. She’s crazy about you, and I can see why. If I let myself, I’ll feel the same way.” She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, “The other night was…” her voice broke, then she steadied herself locking eyes with him, “was very special to me. I felt young again. Young and loved. Thank-you for that. But I can’t let it, this thing between us, continue.”

“I don't understand,” Tim said, even though he did. Hearing those words from this incredible woman, despite having spent so little time together, was making his heart ache.

“I can’t share. I want you, but I want you all to myself. If I let you and I be a thing,” tears formed in her eyes, “I’m going to start to hate my own daughter. I think I might still end up resenting her. This was a mistake.”

“Vanessa,” Tim said, “that’s not fair. We can work at this, it doesn’t have to be…”

“No!” She let go of his hands and started walking away, “I won’t let you pull me back in. This is hard enough without it turning into an argument!”

Her voice sounded strained. Tim didn’t believe that breaking up was what she wanted. It certainly wasn’t what he wanted. If he wanted to salvage the relationship, though, he’d have to move fast. Already, Vanessa had moved to cross the road to get away from him, to leave him on the sidewalk alone. He quickly stepped toward her, moving as swiftly as his heels would allow. A car was approaching from the right, so Vanessa had paused midway across the street to let them pass. Tim stepped up to her, but then heard a snap.

Before he could stop himself, Tim began to fall forward into the path of the oncoming car. Tires screeched, but he knew there wouldn’t be enough time for it to stop. What had happened? Why was he falling?

Time stopped.