The Flutter of Coattails

The tail of his coat flutters as he stomps around the corner.
In seconds, with a few words, her entire future vanished before her tear-dimmed eyes.
With a fist closing around her heart, and the air sucked from her lungs, she cries out.
"Please!  Don't leave... Not yet."
Despite everything, all the reasons he has to leave, he stops.
The suitcase hits the floor and he spins on his heel, catching her breath again.
"Please."  She whispers with the single wisp of air left in her chest.
Seconds later, a future comes back into view as he runs to her and spins her around, crushing her to his chest.
Sobs shake her sweater covered shoulders.
His sweater was always a safety blanket for her.
"I can't stay."  He breathes.
"Please.  Not yet."
Cold air from the open door dances past their intertwined being, reminding him of his exit.
"I have to go."

The tail of his coat flutters as he slowly marches around the counter.
He won't turn around again.
This time, the fist holding her heart tightens and squeezes until the pressure is too great.
Heaving, sobbing, gasping for air, she sinks to the ground.
Alone.
Even now, seconds after his towering figure has crossed the kitchen and faded into the night, the scent of his cologne seems to dissipate.
Wrapping her arms around her, she breaks apart silently, letting rivers of tears tainted with mascara soak his sweatshirt.