When someone leaves

and has no intention to return,

they linger.

Their memory

etched into the back of your mind,

the vibrations of their vocal cords

when they spoke

like nails on a chalkboard.

But you love that chalkboard.

You love how smooth it used to be,

and your heart

aches,

shatters.

When someone leaves

and intends to return,

your dreams wander

and the chalkboard

stares back at you,

waiting for you to notice.