Looking in the left side of my periphery, I caught the beautiful highlights surfing along the curved highway guardrails. They were glittering as I put more pressure on the brakes. I quickly let up as the light turned before we stopped.

“Whaaat, green today! You know, when was the last time we’ve seen it green?” I asked. 

“Honestly, like a few months ago, I think?” she answered back. 

I made another quick glance left and right as we were passing through the intersection. The grass on the median was cut recently. Satisfyingly uniform, even with the occasional spots of yellow. The faint rattle of the metallic hood reverberated through the cabin alongside Egyptian Luvr by Rejjie Snow. My sunglasses always put a lovely green tint on the sky. The blues became deep, and cinematic.

Driving past the parked cars adjacent to the meters, the perpendicular sidewalks became brick. A couple of suit and tie gentlemen were walking with laptop cases and almost finished iced coffee cups. The beige facade just past the next light met us with a quick hat nod to home. Lightly stepping on the brakes while smoothly turning the wheel over, we made a right, then a quick left into the cement filled alley. The shadows along the top floor of the parking garage drew lines across the others. Beautiful warm and cold blocks of light fell along its surface. 

Seven foot clearance and white parking stripes.

My keys ratted as we began getting out of the car. I made sure to grab my phone while patting my pockets for my wallet and chapstick. Walking towards the street, the red neon sig-

“Ohh, love, forgot my wallet, one sec-” she stated abruptly, shuffling back to the car with her voice slightly echoing about.

“All good, I’ll be right here,” looking to the bottom right of my jeans and hitting the unlock button on my keys. 

There’s my girl.

I listened to the swaying rumble of the floor above us as a car crossed the lot. She had a cute stride getting to the car. I looked down at the bright, gray concrete floor and couldn't help but let out a little smile.

“Okay, take two!” she stated, while closing the car door and locking eyes with me.
I put my hands in my pockets, thumbs out as I always do. Getting below the sign, I opened the door and watched her take the first step inside while I followed right behind. Six more steps up, and we got in line. I looked at the white bags on the shelf just to our left, various labels naming the different regions of each coffee. Roast level light-medium, notes chocolate, honey, Guatemala- my eyes darted across each heading. 


“Do you want to get one this time? I think you’re running low at home, right?” she asked warmly.


“Ohh for sure! Uhh… I thin- ahh, this one!” I replied.


I started running my index finger across the matte surface of the bag. I loved the design. Staring at the rustic orange logo in detail, I paid attention to the lettering. The font and how it was all spac-


“Hey love, do you want a pour over this time or something else?” she asked.


“You know what, I’ll get a cortado, let’s change it up,” replying as I was walking up to the counter with a new Ethiopian coffee I wanted to try.


She always insists on paying, but I do my best to jump in when I can. Stubborn for sure. But I’ve always loved that about her.


Steam filled the air in front of the barista’s silhouette. A jarring screech, and then a purr. A white tulip complemented the warm brown hues of the espresso in a black quartz-like glass. The light from the window was pouring into our favorite nook. The warm hues of the couch danced with the pale yellow light draping across it. I set my bag on the metal table top, watching her put our drinks just next to it.


“Dang, this is freaking beautiful right now,” I stated.


“Yess, it is! I love it," she said.


I was nerding out over the beautiful latte art (well, cortado in this case). She giggled, always pointing out how much of a dork I was with coffee. And, well, I completely agreed.


The glass was slightly cool as I was lifting it to take a first sip. We cheered each other, listening to the glass chirp in the quiet shop. Her latte looked fantastic too, with a rosetta to top it off. I softened my shoulders and gently closed my eyes, feeling the warmth from the sunlight and watching the back of my eyelids turn a fiery red.
She leaned her head on my shoulder as I lowered my hand to meet hers.


My forearm dropped to the seat as another blaring honk came from behind the car. Hy heart palpitated as a deep pressure began seeping through my chest.


The light has been green.


The couple on the sidewalk was now past the curb, walking down to the next street. I couldn't hear them laughing anymore. Cars were passing me on the right as I sat there, motionless. 


I hesitantly pushed the gas pedal and slowly drove through the intersection next to the highway. 


It was green this time.


I noticed the shadows on the concrete garage, then drove forward to a spot. I looked at the passenger seat.


No one.


I got out, lifting my chin and awkwardly squinting my eyes. I lethargically spun around to look at the door across the alley.


“Hey my love, are you coming in?”


And as I stood there alone, I watched tears silently hit the pavement.
A love letter to heartbreak.

Shaun Hill
03/11/2025