the married couple across the room...

they are quite similar in physical appearance. brown hair. glasses. wearing complimentary colors. they aren't particularly distinguishable. it fits. they look to be studying. happy just to sit together and do some schoolwork in the middle of a busy day. they look up every so often; say a few words, exchange smiles. two perfectly constructed puzzle pieces. the woman stands up to leave. she hesitates a moment, looking down at him. she pushes a piece of hair back into place behind his ear. such a tiny gesture. such a loud moment. no one else seems to notice. she bends over just enough to wrap her arms around his neck, kisses him on the top of the head. her lips move to form a few sentences. did she tell him she loved him? was she reminding him of a dinner invite that evening? or was she promising to kick his butt at tic-tac-toe upon her return? it doesn't matter much. he sits alone now. tapping his foot and glancing up every few minutes, waiting for her to reappear.