More than words

The first person I saw when I entered the house was him. As I stepped through the front doorway, I could see across the entrance hall into the parlor. He was seated there on the sofa, in a posture of waiting, and from the stunned expression that crossed his face when he saw me, it was clear that I wasn’t the person he was expecting.

 “This is a surprise,” he said a trifle coolly. 

I drew a very deep breath. “The flight was fine, and they served lunch on the plane. I just want to see you.” My eyes flicked nervously past him. 

There was a long moment of silence.

Then, he said quietly, “ Don’t do this to me. Don’t try to ruin it. Can’t you just be happy for me?” He paused. “Please understand, I love you always.. but I need her. ”

As much as I hated to, I had to answer, “Okay.”

He reached over and took my hand. “I’m really sorry. I owe you an apology. I should have told you sooner. The truth is, though, that there wasn’t any ‘sooner.’ It all happened so fast. ”

“I guess it must have.” I said, made no attempt to hide my bitterness.     

 I stood immobile, staring at the closed door. By the time I had reached the road, my mind was centered upon one thing only-- love doesn't need words.