broken.

it was a pleasant surprise, even though the meeting was planned. the familiar faces, faces which haven't changed much, faces which hid feelings. a tired smile emerged on his weary face, as he approached the group. they look unchanged, beautiful, just the way he remembered them.

he still felt pretty awkward, and conversation eluded him. it was as though he was mute. when he finally spoke, trying to contribute to a joke, he did something he didn't realize was insensitive. before it dawned upon him, those words had already been spoken, names had already been mentioned. there was, unfortunately no turning back. what appeared to be seemingly harmless, laughable banter affected someone in the company.

the words took effect almost instantaneously. the look upon her eyes spelt heartache and pain. her tear glands threatened to work, just as she took control of her feelings, and concealed the subtle physical reflection of her emotions. unbeknownst to the rest, she was well aware of her emotional nature, and he knew. he could emphatise with her, for he had gone through similar pains. he wanted to hold her, and to tell her it was alright. it will be, but for now, its a phase that she has to endure. something that will pass, eventually. he heaved a sigh of resignment, knowing full well that there's nothing that he can do to improve the situation. the mistake has already been made.

and life goes on.