Toothpaste

She treated him like a near-empty tube of toothpaste, pressed flat and rolled up to where the dregs of his being remained. He was both insulted and flattered. More often than not she bought a new tube instead of struggling to pinch out what resisted to emerge. In desperate days, however, she returned to him, once again glad that she put him back in the cupboard instead of tossing him away. Their friendship was destined to continue in this fashion. She, seeking his friendship when there was nothing more complete. Him, giving all that he could until he finally ran dry.