above zero

I had been with Diet Pepsi a long time, although no one would mistake our relationship for love. I mean, it was clear I would rather be with Pepsi or Coke, but a calorically-balanced life with either of these beverages at my side was just out of my league. Then I met Coke Zero and thought, "This is it! I have found the soulmate soft drink that will be mine for the rest of my life!" We were, indeed, very happy together. That is, until a couple weeks ago, when Coke Cherry Zero sashayed into the cooler of the market near where I work. Coke Zero, I realize now, was just love, not that love is nothing. Coke Cherry Zero is both love and a sublime spiritual experience.