near, not merged

a record of presence without intimacy.

we exist in the same space.

we share air, hallways, time.

nothing is empty.

nothing is asking to deepen.

proximity

seeing someone every day is already a connection.

not an emotional one.

a factual one.

routine is its own intimacy — but it does not demand more.

i notice how my body feels near you.

not activated.

not withdrawn.

this is what calm looks like when it isn’t mislabeled as boredom.

i don’t want intensity.

i don’t want escalation.

i want continuity without pressure.

friendship is closeness without demand.

this is not withholding.

this is not fear.

this is choosing not to force feeling.

nothing needs to become more to be real.

i don’t miss you.

and that does not erase you.

some connections are complete without longing.

we stay near.

we do not merge.

nothing breaks.

this is not distance. it is shape.