Candle is burning low. Watching the waiter go. He asks if I want wine. I say I am doing fine.

The napkin is on my knee. Perfect as it can be. I smoothed out every fold. Doing what I was told.

Five minutes turns to ten. I check my phone again. No message on the screen. Worst that I've ever seen.

Table set for two. Me and you. But the chair is facing space. No one is in your place.

White plate. Clean slate. The waiter looks with pity. Loneliest in the city. I am full of empty.

People are looking round. Wondering what I found. Is she a lonely soul? Playing a tragic role?

The couple on the right. Having a perfect night. Holding each other's hand. Just like we always planned.

Thirty minutes gone. Why do I hold on? The ice has turned to water. Like a lamb to slaughter.

Table set for two. Me and you. But the chair is facing space. No one is in your place.

White plate. Clean slate. The waiter looks with pity. Loneliest in the city. I am full of empty.

I call the waiter over. Game is finally over. I pay the bill for two. That's what I always do.

I leave a tip for care. For the empty chair. Coat on my shoulder now. Taking my final bow.

Don't apologize. I opened up my eyes. The food was good at least. A solitary feast.