"Maybe.. the day I noticed how they always tap the table twice before speaking. It’s stupid. but now I wait for it, like some kind of signal. Today they said something about the sky being too pale, and I agreed, even though I hadn’t looked. Later I found myself standing outside, just staring up, wondering if they’d think the same about the clouds. I wore that shirt again (the one they once said looked “almost nice.”) It’s weird how I remember that. I forget birthdays, but not that. I passed a café that smelled like cinnamon and for some reason thought of their laugh. I didn’t go in. Just stood there a second longer than usual."'