Embers

We talked. Almost an hour. Of course there was an expected undercurrent -- no indication he's done anything wrong, only that it's been a "learning experience." He wants to rebuild a friendship. I told him flat out things will never be the same. I even told him I'm not sure it's possible. And even as I was cursing myself for doing it, I told him all the things I didn't blame him for.

But all the fire's gone out. I sought closure, and I have as much as I'll ever get. He seeks something else -- a future, I guess. And if he wants one... do I allow that? I know I can never think of him as the close friend I considered him once. And I don't think I want him to be amongst my associates either, amongst those people who are not truly friends, but are in my circle of acquaintances.

He may meet me face to face in a few weeks. But for me, for the part of me that was still angry and bent, the embers are burning low indeed, and the matter is now out of my hands.

This marks the second matter of importance that has drawn to a close in these last few days.