( Can’t Remember to Forgot You by Shakira )

His home lacked of the life it once held: you.

Whenever he woke up in the bed that felt too large, the home was quiet, still, things were taken, no one to wake up beside. Ironically, it was also loud with regret.

He usually fell back against the mattress with a deep sigh after waking.

The divorce felt like you took a piece of his heart—he feels its absence every day. The memory he tries to bury keeps returning like a fright train. Close his eyes— your face. Look where you’re spot used to be at the dinner table— you. Scrolling through TV channels to see a specific show— your favorite.

The universe mocks him.

He isn’t even safe at base. He heard the Captain and Lieutenant once whisper did you hear about the General? He turned around way too fast.

Becoming desperate to forget, he doesn’t look up while eating, doesn’t turn to your side of the bed, doesn’t watch TV much— yet his mind wanders with his awareness.

Damnit, he can’t remember to forget you.

Stupidly, he finds himself outside your house. He stares at the door, his foot tapping — not out of impatience, unsureness.

Don’t go back to your ex— so much for that lesson from high school…

With a self-deprecating eye roll, he goes to knock on the door. He tried to ignore the fact his heart was racing.