(refuse to) communicate

they speak words
usually spoken weary
sometimes, or most times
she preferred minimal talking
one-word or one-syllable answer, steering clear of squabble

it was not that they didn't love each other
it was not that they didn't care

it was to avoid the pain of rejection

communication died gradually
conversations ended in rejection continually
there left no space for opinions
thus discussion becoming obsolescent

even so, she tries occasionally
initiating a fair weather topic

she walks away, disappointed again.