Once

***Disclaimer: I got this idea from Pinterest, an exercise where you write a 20 word sentence, then a 19 word sentence, and so on, ending the story with one word.***

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Brian and Haley strolled hand in hand down the sidewalk, Haley’s arm curled around Brian’s as she leaned into him.

She smiled up at him, only to find that he was walking with head bowed, texting with one hand. 

Her heart sank in her chest as she focused her gaze on the neon sign coming into view. 

“Ah,” Brian said, tucking his phone into his pocket and reaching for the door handle, “We’re here.”

The familiar sounds of their regular haunt filled the air as they approached their reserved table. 

Smile plastered on, Haley swirled the wine in her glass and took in the scene. 

She jumped as Brian’s phone rang out, vibrating as it danced across the table. 

“Sorry,” he whispered as he held up a finger and stood, “Five minutes.”

She pursed her lips with a listless nod and watched him go. 

As the door to the street opened, laughter filled the air. 

Haley looked out the window and caught the girl’s eye. 

She was young, and so was the smiling man. 

Suddenly, Haley wanted to be anywhere but here. 

Brian returned, grinning as he sat down. 

“Looks like I’m flying out Monday.”

The couple disappeared from view. 

Haley was far away. 

“Great,” she said.

Things were.

Once.

THE END