“I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, then it can’t be helped”

—     Frederick Perls, The Gestalt Prayer.

Tina opened the door, ushering me in with one hand, while carefully clasping a delicate earring with the other. She looked really lovely wearing a grey, slim fitting sheath dress. My eye for fashion immediately recognized the design, "Anne Klein?" A look of perplexity clouded her features before realization dawned on her beautiful face, "Oh, the dress. I see your fashion sense has remained intact." She attempted a wink that failed miserably. She seemed different. As radiant as ever, but somehow the years had left a mark of refinement and elegance on her. The thought left a tightening in my throat. God, I’ve missed so much. So many achievements, milestones, and memories were forever lost to me. She must have sensed my grief as she reached out in concern to caress the side of my face with her thumb. The action made me smile. It was so like Tina to play the role of caretaker. She was naturally affectionate and nurturing, so unlike myself who is always at odds with the world and trapped inside my own head. I closed my eyes and reveled in the attention.

I allowed myself a memory I had long kept locked away. It was a time when we had shared a similar moment. She had just found out she was three months pregnant. Of course, it was his. Still, I couldn’t help but feel connected to the life growing within her slowly expanding belly. The pressures of society could never diminish all we had shared and I knew the child, though not mine biologically would always be special to me. I had reached out to place my hand on the firm skin just below her naval. I couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks. She must have felt the sadness, longing, and regret. She offered a warm palm to rest my weary cheek upon and thoughtfully brushed at the tears with her thumb.