Last Thursday morning, I asked my partner if he’d like to walk the Lafayette Reservoir with me.
He said he’d love to.

I love walking there early. The birds swoop through the willows.
Morning light shimmers on the water.
Hawks call out their presence across the open sky.

But as we walked, I could tell my partner was in a low mood.

Soon I began to regret inviting him.
Every time I said something, he shot back a snarky comment.
My agitation rose. I started blaming him—for ruining the peace I’d wanted.

And then I caught it.