he ran into the room, his heart pounding, and his clothes soaking wet. He couldn't believe what had happened. Today had started off so well, everything going to plan.
He had woken early, before his alarm, excited as a kid at Christmas. He'd gone to work, where he had tried in vain to concentrate on his work.
Every second had seemed like an hour, but finally 5pm had come.
He had sat across from her at the restaurant, his heart in his mouth. She had looked lovely; more beautiful than she had ever looked. Her golden hair shimmering in the gentle lights. The box had felt hard against his heart, as he had waited for the perfect moment.
He had planned it for weeks; thought about it for longer. Three years exactly from their first date. Secret shopping trips with her sister to pick the perfect ring; bargaining with the maitre d to get the same table they had sat at on the special first date.
She had sipped her wine, clearing her throat.
His hand hovered over the inside pocket of his jacket.
"There's something I need to say." they said in unison.
She had blushed. "You go first."
"No, you." he had said.
She had cleared her throat again.
"I'm really sorry, but I've found someone else." she had twisted her necklace nervously. "I'm sorry, but it's over."