A chicken sandwich in 2016

I can still see the moment in 2016. The exact second I knew.

I can feel the pain, the anger, the redness on my face.

Inside, I made a decision. THAT. WAS. IT.

And, I can still taste the chicken sandwich of denial 30 minutes later.

The taste of peanut oil and white meat and buttered bread.

The laughter.

The pretending.

It didn't happen, it won't happen again.

It's better if I just let it go.

It's better to let go.

And, well, it was better. For a minute. A day. A week.

Until it wasn't better. Until it hurt worse. Until I lost. Lost it all. Lost even the one who gave me hope.

I ate a chicken sandwich in 2016 and it killed my future. Made me sick with regret. Destroyed opportunity.

The pain of that bitter meal stings even now, and will sting until the end.

I knew... EXACTLY what needed to happen. And did none of it.

I ate a sandwich. I smiled. I laughed.

And I died inside.

100% white meat death.