Platonic

He knew she would be leaving in a few hours. The flight would take her so far away that even if he wanted he could not reach out to hold her hand. What damage would these 3000 miles between them cause? Would it do any good?

He dialed her number one last time, to say goodbye...for now. The phone rang about a million times. He felt impatient, nervously waiting to hear the voice at the end of the line. He thought about when next they would talk over the phone. Suddenly, he heard an excited 'Hey'. He forgot exactly what he had rehearsed to say. All he wanted was to be there, at the airport, next to her. Not here, stuck in this dingy 'hole in the wall.' She went on telling him how thrilled she was, to be traveling alone, to someplace so wonderful. He couldn't hear the words, just her voice. He caught himself smiling. She had always had this effect on him, or everyone for that matter.

His thoughts went back to the time they first met. The first glance, how shyly she spoke. He had been mesmerized by her since. Another shrill 'Hey' got him right back. 'Are you dreaming?' she asked. Wish he could tell her the truth. 'No' he lied, 'just listening to you.' And without a thought, she carried on.

A while later, she realized she had to go as her family was waiting. He suddenly felt a lump creeping up his throat. He didn't know what to say. He quickly said 'Bye' and a pause later, he was about to say 'I'll miss you,' when she hurriedly said 'Don't forget me. Okay !!' and hung up.

And he was back in his office cabin, alone. All he could think was, 'Did I even tell her?'