i heard the trigger fire. the bullet bit both ways – into you, into me. or was it the other way around? and, does it matter who was wounded first or worst? we both collapsed with confusion. suddenly strangers stared at each other, wondered why. both of us shot and both to blame. shooters and farewell bidders. becoming of us, wasn’t it? best friends became acquaintances, good-byes replaced greetings, and frequent phone calls intentionally forgotten.

the moment will come when memories dim and friendship fades to black. save the color photos, our “once upon a time,” the dream that never happened but the hope that said it could.