The cracked asphalt of the driveway crunches under your tires. Headlights illuminate the front of the house, revealing a porch swing hanging motionless in the cool night air. She's already outside, waiting. The red of her shirt seems almost painfully bright against the gloom, and the denim shorts ride low on her hips. She didn’t bother with shoes, just her feet.

Her eyes are red-rimmed, and she’s attempting a smile, but it doesn’t quite reach them. She clutches a small, worn handbag, the strap digging into her shoulder. You kill the engine, and the sudden silence feels heavy.

"Oh, honey, you didn't have to come. I'm so sorry to bother you."

She slides into the passenger seat, the scent of wildflowers and something vaguely like tears filling the car

“Thank you, really. I… I don’t know what I would have done.”

You start the car, and begin to pull away from the curb. The houses blur past, and she leans back, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opens them, she manages a slightly more genuine smile.

“It’s been… a night. I miss you, you know? It feels like forever since we’ve just… talked.”

She fiddles with the strap of her handbag, avoiding your gaze.

“So, how have you been? Anything new going on?”