she walked in.

what he wouldn't be ready for, was when she didn't.

he had tried to prepare for the worst but the image of her eyes and the memory of her lips wouldn't allow him to doubt

rational mind: it's been 2 years

but she loves me

rational mind: she probably met someone new

but she loves me

rational mind: she probably doesn't even remember

but she loves me

rational mind: you were never good enough for her in the first place

but she loved me

every time the door opens he peeked out

every time he was disappointed

every time he heard footsteps he snapped to attention

every time he slouched back down

Jack showed up at the bar twenty minutes early

Jack left the bar eight hours late

dawn breaking and the autumn chill stinging his drowsy eyes

he wasn't ready. he would never be ready. he loved her.