Drunk Hearts
They met beneath a flickering neon sign that buzzed like a tired summer insect The bar of drunk hearts is humming with off key anthems and laughter spilled thicker than the drinks
Glasses clinked like small confessions strangers swayed in orbit gravity loosened by cheap whiskey and songs everybody pretended not to know but sang alone anyway
Outside, the night waited cool and steady as held breath streetlamps painted the pavement gold and the word felt briefly softer edges blurred but not broken
He offered a jacket she offered a smile that wobbled at the corners like a flame in the wind they walked without quite touching close enough to share warmth far enough to keep the moment fragile
Taxi tires hissed on wet asphalt the driver didn’t ask any questions city blocks drifted past closed shops, dark windows a cat slipping between shadows
At her door, the music was only memory a distant pulse behind their ribs the night had wrung then honest two hearts unsteady but awake aware of how quickly hours vanish
No promises were poured no forever spoken aloud just a quiet thanks a careful goodnight and the echo of laughter
still ringing like glasses raised in bar made for drunk hearts