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“I think it’s time for me to go”.
The bedsheets were crumpled on the floor. Two empty wine glasses watched from the bedside table and shared subtle glances with the condom packet thrown hastily beside them.
“Where’s my shirt?” This was met with a fond huff of laughter.
“On the couch, I think”.
It wasn’t, the couch knew that was a blatant lie. Had the couch eyes, it would see the missing shirt being gently nudged further under the bed. It was a poor attempt at buying more time.
“Are you sure Carlos, I don’t- ha! It’s at your foot!”
“Oh it is?”.
The room wishes it had eyes to roll. Clothes are found and put on, as slowly as possible of course. This room had seen this song and dance countless times before, and so did countless other hotel rooms. Heavy silence, feigned nonchalance, secret glances and no one dares say what they really want to say.
“Well, I’ll- I’ll see you, Carlos”. Tell me to stay.
“Yeah, I’ll see you”. Don’t leave please. Never leave again.
“Jannik-” Stay, stay, stay.
“Yeah?”
This happened every time, someone would try to say something, finally, but would always chicken out. In this hotel room, in all of the other hotel rooms and the hotel bathrooms and showers and changing rooms (and maybe on a grass court, once). Their routine has never and will never change. They have sex, they cuddle, they sleep, they part and never ever communicate.
The bed knows, the wine glasses know, the condom wrappers, bedsheets, carpet and blinds all know how this will end.
“Just- I just- text me before your flight tomorrow” FUCK!
“Oh… yeah, of course. Goodnight Carlos”. Is he serious right now?
The door opens, a despondent creak fills the silent room.
“Stay! Wait, please.”
“What?”
“Don’t go, I want you to stay”.
“Carlos, I have to go back. My flight is early”. Fuck the plane.
“You’re right, I’m sorry. Go on, go.”
“Carlos don’t-”
“Don’t what? You said you have to go, so go”.
“Right. Goodnight Carlos”.
The door closes. And the night ends like it always does, with both of them being alone. Alone by choice but not by want.
“Goodnight Jannik”
I love you.