She thought he was going to stay forever.

He told her their lives are intertwined. She told him “Of course”, because he has always been beside her. She told him secrets and he listened. She cried and he lent his shoulder. She laughed at him but he laughed with her. She complained about the world and he patted her back. She ignored him but he was persistent. She cursed him but he was patient. She broke promises but he forgave her.

So she took him for granted. Pretended not to see him. Reasoned out she was busy. Reasoned out she had a million things to do and he is not different from any other person in the world. Thought he would understand. Thought he was going to wait.

Did not heed his call. Did not hear his voice. Did not seek him out when he was no longer there. Did not cry out his name when she could not find him anymore.

He left today.

It is so easy to blame him. He was too hasty. He expected too much. He should have been more patient. He should have made more effort. He should have…

But he left a million tears and a white feather.

Before leaving, he whispered that love is two-sided. Friendship is two-sided. Any relationship is two-sided. And time is not so forgiving.

And she realized the fault is hers, all hers.

She was left with tears and a wet white feather.