The relationship
Had now become a habit.
Bored; cost to settle

http://www.deviantart.com/print/1818386/ Stained glass eye by ~montanamudd

Standing in the lunch line, paying for my sandwich, I glimpsed her profile through the colored glass panels surrounding the top of the booth she shared with her companion.

Finally recognizing her, I turned back to the cashier to pay.

"How much, did you say?" I asked.

"What or who were you staring at?" she replied.

"Hmmm, what?"

"Never mind. That'll be $2.98, please."

" Oh, I was just trying to figure out who was on the otherside of the stained glass."

Handing the girl a fiver, I thought; Oh, Lily, how forlorn you look sitting there sipping your tea. You seem so bored with your companion's kibitzing with every passer-by that stops to glad hand him. I remember what you were like just before you found out that your husband, Timmy, was having an affair with that high-schooler. You were beautiful, vivacious, and full of exuberance. You were excited about climbing the career ladder in nursing and everything was rosy.

I remember your companion, Carl, at that time too. A rising star in the political world and a powerful player in the hospital's management team. And how he too lost his zest for life when he caught his wife in bed with that CO she'd been banging for months.

How sad I feel to see the two of you, so unsuited to each other, who've chosen to settle for a mediocre relationship, just for the sake of having one. I've seen the two of you together many times socially and believe me I know; there is no love or excitement in this relationship each of you chose, only a sad habit.

"Thank-you sir". says the smiling cashier, handing me two dollars and two cents.

" You're very welcome", I reply, and you can keep the two cents.

Turning away from the booth I leave the cafeteria pondering: Is it OK to settle?