the only sound comes from the clatter of the spoons hitting the bowls, not form the expected chatter at the table though we have not spoken for awhile now. the only ice on the table sits in my cup though they all know that i am the only one who cant stand ice in my drinks unless its with a straw, it stands on the table untouched as all the other liquid diminishes. the only signs of a salad begin and end with the croutons sitting between my mom and my sister who sits across from me, thus there is not any passing of dishes just of eyes over the whole scene, not even catching on the people sitting around the table. the only warmth comes from the lights hanging above us, none from the conversation that is nonexistant.

what has happened here? everything is so stagnant, so tense at moments, people are broken and hurting beyond potential to be fixed, and i have to stay here for the remainder of the break where i am the only one who no longer belongs.