Alice hadnt seen Dana in a month when she ran into her two months ago at the zoo. Dana was there with a little girl from the Big Sister program whom she spent time with and Alice was there with her nephew. They both did a double take, yet instantly smiled. Thats all it took for them to agree to get together the next night. A month and a half later, disaster struck. Alice remembered the breakup just as well as Alice, both still raw from the pain, though neither would admit it. Their last conversation rang through Alices head as she looked at Dana sitting in her living room.

***

Why do I let myself go through this, time after time? Alice asked herself, head in her hands.

Go through what? Dana asked, gathering her clothes from Alices room.

You… me… it never works. I cant do this again. This is it, Dana.

Fine by me. Do you think I like this? This is not my fault. Dana shoved things in her bag frantically, her voice becoming shrill.

And its my fault you are emotionally unavailable all the time?

Dont start that again, Alice. I dont want to hear any more of everything Ive done wrong. Ive heard it all before. Leave it alone.

As Dana headed towards the door, she ripped a picture off the wall. It was a photo of her and Alice at the zoo that day they bumped into each other. Danas little sister had taken it with a new camera Dana bought for her birthday. When the film was developed, she gave it to Dana.

This day was a mistake. Dana said as she threw the picture on the floor. Please dont call me ever again. She said with her back turned to Alice, unable to look her in the eyes before shutting the door behind her.

Alice cried for the first time after one of their breakups. This time it felt different, and she let the tears fall slowly and steadily. She picked up the picture and tucked it away in a drawer out of sight and hopefully out of mind.

***

Now, two and a half weeks later, they stood in the same room, seemingly miles apart. Alice sighed and shook her head in frustration. It was the only response she could muster to Dana’s question. She knew they didnt hate each other, but compliance wasnt an option for either of them. A knock on the door interrupted their stares and silence, and Alice simply raised her eyebrows at Dana before she moved towards the door. Alice secretly decided not to jeopardize her friends joy by fighting with her ex-lover. Feigning their tolerance of each other was the only reasonable option for the reunion, and thats what she planned on as she opened the door.