Silence.
The water bowl receives our gaze,
But we both stopped seeing it long ago.
You were kind enough to wash.
Rinse, rather.
But now that is done.
My trophy cabinet looks up at us
Empty.
Trophies still settled out on the path
Waiting to be dusted up.

My eyes lift involuntarily.
I find yours,
already ready.
You hold my gaze.
I am not condemned.
You exhale,
My choices go too.

You smile softly,
Nod knowingly,
Not to excuse, but to confirm,
We both feel it.
You bow your head to me,
Lift my left foot from the clean and clear water,
And begin to dry.