Derek dug another pomegranate seed from out of his nose.

Erica watched in disgust.

He noticed, “I’m sorry!”

“Are you ok?”

“Honestly I don’t know why this is happening.” It was the truth. But you’d think he might go to the bathroom, or something. Not a good look for a first date.

“Why are there pomegranate seeds coming out of your nose?”

“I said I don’t know.”

“I think I’m gonna go…” Erica shuffled for a moment and thought about whether she should try to pay her half of the bill, but, eventually, filled with a deep confusion and disgust, fled.

As the last glimpse of her evaporated out the door, so did the last pomegranate seed. Derek stared down at his red-stained shirt and napkin filled with little lumps.

The next day he messaged Erica.

“Hi Erica, sorry about the pomegranate seeds. Nice to meet you but I didn’t feel the chemistry was quite there. Best of luck for everything and I hope you get that dog!”

Erica wept.