I used to ask;
“How much did you miss me?”
like a child tugging at silence
hoping it might speak love in return
But your eyes always darted away
like the truth was too shy to show its face

Still; I waited
Waited to hear anything
even a lie dressed as affection
You could’ve said
"All the time"
and I would’ve built a home inside that fantasy

Now the room echoes
and I’m the only one listening to ghosts
Does your night flicker quietly...
with memories of the way we once were?
Do the jokes that once lit up your smile...
still ignite laughter or just smoke?

And when the world plays our old song
do you hum along  or skip the track?
Do the things that made you cry...
still pull at the same wound?
Do the things that made you smile...
feel smaller now; without me?

I wonder...
when you're caught off guard by a scent
a street name; or the tilt of a stranger’s head
do you think...
"That used to be us"
or do you think nothing at all?

Because I remember everything
the tone of your voice when it softened
the shape of your silence when it didn't
And though it sounds pathetic now
I would’ve swallowed every sweet untruth
if it meant feeling loved; even briefly

So tell me
did you miss me?
Your once favourite human
Or am I just a chapter...
you never bothered to finish reading?