And it breaks down....

When there is an inability to say the truth, because the truth comes with a fear of the found becoming lost again.
So we hold it in with cherry smiles, pretending all is well; with faces full of smiles and hearts bleeding in tears.

We hold it back, all inside, Pandora's box writhing to be opened so it's contents may be set free and let loose.
We exchange pleasantries like two semi-strangers meeting for the second time, parading on eggshells to avoid the supposed land mines a true discussion will present.

Moving from something more than friends to acquaintances to this, dropping at an alarming rate, free falling with no breaks at each stage to catch a breath and process the million dollar question: how did we get here??

Staring at the twists in the surface, no time was spared to listen to the slow and subtle crumbling of the foundations deep.
Select turns bringing a change to the surface, minor yet significant, allowing it to slip unnoticed like a still volcano before a lava outpouring.

Standing on opposite sides of a crossroad, with a crevasse in between. One feeling lost and abandoned, enhanced by the seemingly blasé attitude of the other towards their new found plight. One glancing at the other periodically as they forge ahead; the other seemingly staring everywhere but.

At an impasse the other is forced to turn; "how are you??" Joy and gladness. Taken aback, one responds. Put a smile in place.
Internally: "where are we and is this it??"