Lost in the Cereal Aisle With My College Boyfriend

Lost in the Cereal Aisle With My College Boyfriend

I was late for work and hunting for my phone in the grocery store by my apartment, the same one I go to every Tuesday. The cereal aisle stretched farther than it should, and when I turned the corner my college boyfriend was standing there in a checkout line that mixed with the lobby of my old dorm. He looked like himself, but also like my neighbor who passed last winter, the one who used to hold the door. We talked about getting coffee after class like nothing had changed. I felt this sharp longing and also embarrassment because I was still in yesterday’s office sweater. He took my hand and it was colder than it should be. I kept trying to find the exit so we wouldn’t miss the bus, but the doors kept leading back to the same aisle. I woke up missing him and a little confused.