The Key

I wrote this sometime around 2005 after the breakup of a very good friendship:

There was a beautiful wooden door with a shiny brass plate that said “Friendship”. We both had a key. I may never have touched the door, much less unlocked it. Then, one day, you used your key, opened the door and invited me in.

A whole new world was behind that door for me. A person with no close friends, over time, found the best one he ever had. We shared our mutual interests. We shared our thoughts and feelings. Never having to worry about others finding out. We laughed a lot and cried, too. We ate out with others and by ourselves.

As time went by, I became more emotionally attached. I thought I had to be with you. If I couldn’t see you, at least I could call. When we weren’t together, it felt like a part of me was missing. When we were apart, I thought of you constantly. Weren’t my feelings normal for someone I felt so close to? You are a beautiful lady, both inside and out.

I knew this could go no further. A friendship was all it could ever be. You had definitely told me that. Yet, my feelings for you continued to grow. They had become almost too much. After a difficult struggle within myself, I decided it was time to start cutting the emotional bonds that I had become entangled with.

I gave you my key and started to tell you I may be back for it one day. After giving it some thought, I knew this friendship didn’t need to go back to the way it was. I said,

“The key is yours, I won’t be back for it.”

As I started to leave, I opened the door, and turned to face you. I said, “Goodbye, my friend. It’s been a wonderful five years.” I then walked out and closed the door on our friendship.

As I walked down the path, I heard you lock the door. A tear ran down my cheek….