i'll be right back

she puts

on the coffee, i go out for the paper

and a dozen

eggs.

i text her as i'm

in the store, asking

her if there's anything

else she needs.

she gives me a long list

of items.

i spend an hour shopping,

then head

home.

when i get there her car

is gone,

she's gone.

most of her clothes

and things

are gone, her dresser

and closet are empty.

finally.

it's the first promise she's

ever kept.

i go to the kitchen

and crack a few eggs

into the pan,

then pour a cup of coffee.

it's still hot.

let's see what's in the news,

i say to no one,

spreading

the paper on the table.

getting out the butter

and the jam.