In the lobby of a movie theater,
I quietly, patiently,
stand behind two strangers
(to me, at least),
until—

“You.”

No, you.

I am a thousand miles from home—
or perhaps a thousand miles closer—
holding on tight
to Gold,
in fear and regret
that I might not
have this chance again.

“I love you,”
I (have never) said,
out of instinct
(before).