i saw her in a small coffee shop the next day.

 her curly brown locks were pulled up into a bun, small pieces framing her face.

her freckles were splattered against her bare cheeks, almost like specks of sand.

 she was clutching a floppy book in one hand and a hot chocolate in the other.

how was it possible for one person to fix themselves that quickly?

i knew she wasn't okay.

i could see it in the way she gripped her book every time someone walked past her and her eyes would be darting around the room every 10 seconds.

i took my coffee from the barista and sat down at the table she was sitting at.

 she didn't notice i was there until a few seconds later.

when she did notice me, her eyes widened and she closed her book.

her eyes darted down and she tugged on her sweater sleeves.

"hi."

 my voice was extremely rough so i quickly cleared my throat and scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.

"hello," she mumbled, clutching her styrofoam cup as if it was the last thing keeping her on the ground.

 her fingers went through the cup, and hot chocolate poured itself down her arm and leg.

i stood up immediately and rushed to grab some napkins.

 i handed them to olivia and she patted down her arm and legs.

"i'm so sorry," she blubbered, avoiding my glance.

"why are you sorry?"

"because i mess everything up."

that was the last thing she said to me before she rushed out.

cover by SummerFallSpring