the genuine goodwill of silence

Bailey knew she was meant to feel one particular way. She could feel the expectations with the articulation of each of their impulsive words. The invitation to join. The demand to slide. She could feel the tug on their lifeboat friendship as her silence slowly ripped them apart. This was the moment - this was the part where she was meant to behave, play the part, to agree. But she just. Could. Not. Do. It. 

Her compassion latched onto her freedom as a genuine smile of goodwill pressed into the corners of her face. And for perhaps the first time in their entire friendship, she decided to love them both, and to not say anything, at all. 

-b 

September 16, 2020

Photo Credit: Mat Reding