The days passed with him feeling stuck between two insurmountable walls. He saw her a few times but conversation was hard and broken.

His friend arrived and they spent time catching up on each other's stories. She'd arrived on a Friday morning and was looking forward to going to the pub that evening. After dinner she asked him if he was coming to the pub. He told her he didn't really feel like it. There was a movie on the TV he wanted to watch. She tried to persuade him but his answer stayed the same. He hadn't been to the pub for quite some time, hardly knew the volunteers and didn't want to feel the odd one out. He also knew his ex-girlfriend (as he called her) would be there. 'Enough reasons not to go,' he thought.
He drank by himself, watched the movie and went to bed. His usual Friday night routine.

His friend came round to see him just before lunch the following day. She said she had something to tell him. The look on her face told him all he needed to know.
"I was talking to her last night, she was sat with someone, a volunteer I think."
"I can probably guess who that was."
"Anyway," she continued, "I asked her if they were together, she hesitated then said, 'Yes, I guess so.' "
All he could say was, "I'm happy for her." The expression on his friend's face showed surprise. Obviously she hadn't expected that reply. Yeah, sure it was odd, but he actually meant it, he really did.

Now a part of him could rest in peace, the part that had always hung in between, not knowing where he was or where he stood with her. Now it had been decided without him taking part. He knew exactly where he stood with her now. He'd make no more moves on her, wouldn't touch her. Basically, he'd keep his distance.