You Almost Ruined Chai Lattes

You almost ruined chai lattes,
that perfect blend of spice and sweet
that sits in your chest, embracing you
after an unforgiving day.

In the cafe we sat side by side,
you couldn't stop talking about
your perfect interview,
the job in New York.
I saw the fire in your eyes,
and teased you about it.
"Invite me to your penthouse in the Empire State."
I loved making you laugh
in between sips of chai.
The sound of it was sweeter than
the cinnamon they add
to make it taste like Christmas
in February.

Time fled, and we kept talking.
Our cups ran dry, the sky turned crimson,
and we kept talking.
We embraced,
then you vanished forever.
You became the aftertaste of cardamom and ginger,
lingering on the tongue following that final drop,
a dying sensation that refuses to die.

You almost ruined chai lattes.
For weeks I avoided them.
But I realized, that even without you,
they remain sweet.