Our Way

by T.L. Swan

“I see.” He writes some points on his paper. I exhale heavily as I wait for his next step over the line. He leans back in his chair and crosses his legs. “Tell me about your best friend.” He glances down to his notes to remind himself of her name. “Eliza.” “What do you want to know?” “When did you meet?” “We started work at the same hospital on the same day. We met in the cafeteria. Something clicked, and we became friends.” He scribbles some notes and looks up at me. “This is around the time you broke up with Robert, yes?” I nod. “That’s right. Like two months later or something.” “Tell me about her.” I raise my eyebrows. Where do I start? “She is goofy, clumsy, and she can’t cross the street without nearly getting herself run over. She loses her phone and keys all the time.” I think for a moment. “She has the most beautiful dimples when she smiles; her whole face lights up.” I pause for a moment as I picture her. “She’s a great cook. The best, actually.” I smile wistfully. “I have leftovers for lunch every day.” I twist my fingers in my lap as I try to think of something else to say. “She writes in a diary every night and sometimes, when she’s in the shower, I read it.” Elliot rests his hand on his chin as he listens. “She has the purest heart of anyone I’ve ever met.” I drop my head. “She puts everyone else’s needs before her own, especially mine.” I smile sadly. “She’s a pediatric nurse.”