stings and salve

I missed you.
And I can finally say it, mean it, and be able to go on.
I saw you Tuesday night as you replace props during intermission. I watched you, at first surreptitiously over the edge of my program, and then just blatantly, hoping against myself that you'd look up and see me in the balcony.
And it stung me.
And then came the horrible realization that something in me missed you. But that also spurred me on to realize I could learn and live, actually LIVE.
***
Tonight you helped me. And for once, and I hope not the only time, I listened to you instead of vice versa. I feel honored that you trust me and I'm thankful that our opinions align, especially on slander. I'm learning to accept that you hold the door or wait for me to walk first. I don't care how tired I may be for the rest of the weekend, this was the apogee of a long week for both of us.
Thank you for listening to and teaching me. I thank God you are my friend.