Guilt

We sat opposite each other across a table. We sat silently, absorbed in our own private reflections.The din and bustle of the pub was like a haze around us.He started the conversation and his breath smelled of whisky, chicken and hate.“Why should it happen to me”? He asked me accusingly. I wanted to take all that hurt , pain and suffering .After all, we were best friends.

“I have set her free. If she doesn’t come back, she was never meant to be mine”. He added.

"Why do you say so"? I asked.The chilled sweet mocktail and guilt coursing through my veins prevented me from looking at him directly.

“She has discovered half-way through our relationship that her soulmate is someone else.” He replied and stared at me. I swept my gaze around and it rested on the waiters who were speeding by.

"Who do you think the person is"? He asked demanding an answer from me. I felt his eyes on me, observing and evaluating. He gazed at me with deep intriguing eyes as if I had suddenly made myself visible, like a spirit.Peering into his gaze, I took my eyes off. It made me uncomfortable because I knew the answer deep inside my heart.