I walk into the room, and just before I turn the bend I hear your voice, as ordinary and nonchalant as you please. I take a quick deep breath and walk towards you, knowing how I look in my jeans and my blouse, a necklace in the hollow of my throat.

I am careful not to look at you, just as nonchalant as you sound. I say hello to everyone, and let my eyes sweep the room in greeting, passing by you like it didn't matter to me if you saw me or not, and I quickly look away and I sit in my chair.

But your face keeps swimming in my head, you looking at me from under your cap, gazing at me and staring at me. Stopped in your tracks, your eyes fairly quivering, your mouth all but hanging slack. Wanting, longing, heart-wrenching yearning.

And all around us, life goes on, clueless of the strings that bind us together.