In the Name of Love

walking through the halls, eyes on the floor. the silence breaks once I hear you footsteps, every step loud and distinct. my body goes rigid, sending chills down my spine. you clear your throat, as I catch your raspy voice, all my instincts are alert. my ears grab onto each and every breath, my eyes dry and sting, my mind goes numb, my heart beats, faster and faster. I muster up enough courage to turn towards you. now my eyes are locked with yours, even without words I feel agony. my dry, cracked lips part as I try to find the right words. Yet only a dull, almost teary, hello with multiple cracks comes out. one word to you and I can already see that you're drowning in apathy. you let out a hey and I can tell that it took every bit of your energy to say that one word. yet it isn't what I'm looking for. over a quarter of a million words in the English language and I'm looking for only three. I love you. my mind dizzies at the thought of them tumbling out of your mouth. my thought are shattered when you cough, filling the air with sound once again. it's hard to hold back, so I don't I let every tear drop on the floor, my tears so big and meaningful that they almost splash back. now I'm a sobbing mess, an embarrassment to myself. at least it's all in the name of love.