I hear the car
Before the door
Every night

You sit outside longer than you need to
Like the quiet’s negotiating terms
I don’t watch from the window
I don’t ask
I let the silence earn
You come in carrying less of yourself
Like you set parts down somewhere else
I say “hey,” you say “hey”
We don’t lie
We just don’t tell

I don’t chase
I don’t corner the truth
I make room
And let it choose

I’m learning how not to leave
When staying doesn’t feel heroic
I’m learning how not to leave
When loving you feels quiet
I don’t need the whole story
I don’t need you fixed tonight
I’m learning how not to leave
I’m learning how to stay inside

I learned patience without applause
Learned not every gap is a flaw
Learned love doesn’t look like movies
It looks like waiting
And not keeping score
I know the difference between distance
And someone choosing to be gone
So I don’t press when you pull back
I just hold the light on

I don’t win
I don’t lose
I just stand
Where love still moves

I’m learning how not to leave
When the room feels unfinished
I’m learning how not to leave
When I don’t know what you’re carrying
I don’t need the promise
I don’t need the fight
I’m learning how not to leave
I’m learning how to stay alive in it

If you break
I won’t name it weakness
If you’re lost
I won’t make it loud
I don’t need you certain
I need you honest
I need you around

I’m learning how not to leave
Not because it’s easy
Because it matters
I’m learning how not to leave
When love costs more than answers
I’ll stay in the pause
I’ll stay in the night
I’m learning how not to leave
I’m still here
I’m not leaving my life

I hear the door
I stay