A Can of Coke

It all started with a can of Coke.

The tsss-crackle-pop of the can opening,

Evoking memories of childhood commercials telling me to “open happiness.” 

Little did I know, 

Much like Pandora’s box, along with Happiness

This can of Coke had unleashed horrors I’d never dreamed. 

It all started with a can of Coke.

I remember walking into the kitchen, 

Bumping into the boy I’d seen around the temple once or twice. 

“You want some of this Coke? I accidentally poured too much”

He said to me. 

I remember his eyes, twinkling like a child’s after getting away with a prank, 

I remember his laughter, cutting through tension and immediately putting me at ease. 

“Yeah, sure.” I said. 

As we sat on the counter, chatting away, 

I remember thinking that we’d be best friends 

As the weeks flew, as the leaves fell and the ground turned white, 

I knew I was right. Him and I were 

Best friends, twins, partners in crime. 

We could tell what the other was thinking from a single glance. 

But in a single glance, it was all gone. 

Two years ago, I lost my best friend. 

My phone had rung with an incoming call from a teammate i hadn’t spoken with in months, 

Thinking it was an accident, I declined. 

Laughing with the rest of my friends, sitting in the warm June sun, 

I didn’t think to check the frantic texts I was receiving.

The ringing of my phone interrupted my obliviously gleeful state. 

‘“I’m so sorry.” 

Afterwards, all I remember is a blur. 

The tears created a screen over my eyes,  

Causing my vision to become as clouded as my mind felt. 

The next day, week, month, seemed to take years to pass.

It all started with a can of Coke. 

I’ve learned to savor every sip of life, 

Not rush to throw away the can but rather to enjoy its simple beauty. 

Because I’ve learned, in the blink of an eye, 

Those eyes, that laugh, could become a faded memory.