I stormed his castle, crossed the moat onto the muddy ground, pressing myself against the outer wall and shimmying sideways until I found an opening.

I raced up stairs, fighting off swordsmen, and people throwing rocks. But I dodged and ducked and moved higher until I found his room, where he hid from me – with her.

“How dare you barge in here?” he roared.

“How dare you betray me?”

He draws a sword and we spar, metal clanking and breaths huffing, much like they used to between us.

“You deserve this,” I say, and plunged my hilt to his … Read the rest

He curled around me and squeezed my heart, tightly circled, never letting go.

It was comfortable at first, it felt safe being that snugly held, and I didn’t think twice when the pressure got stronger, when the squeeze started feeling tighter than before.

It’s like they say, you can drop a frog in water and he won’t jump out when it starts to boil, because he gets used to the discomfort.

The pain becomes the one thing that is real, and certain.

I don’t struggle anymore, there’s no use.

He’s got me wrapped in him, and he’ll never let go.… Read the rest

“Why won’t you tell me about my father?”

“Because the truth is a burden. You’re lucky you don’t remember,” my grandmother says.

“I think I deserve to know where I come from. What if I have family? What if they can tell me important medical information?”

“All I know is you have two brothers and they’re much older than you.”

“Seriously?”

“Don’t ever tell your mother I told you this!”

“Well, what else?”

“Nothing else! If your mother or grandfather knew I was telling you all this they’d blow through the roof!”

“But it’s my life, my story!”

“A burden.”… Read the rest

“Would you rather go bungee jumping or eat a bowl of live crickets?”

“That’s a really hard decision.”

“I know, but I know how afraid of heights and bugs you are.”

“Is this a hypothetical?”

“No. If you want to move to California, you’re paying for it in fear.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m just the twisted fool you fell for.”

“Pretty twisted you want to see me scared.”

“I want to see how far you’ll go to get what you want.”

“I’ll take the leap. If I die, I won’t have to live with you anymore.”

“Very good decision.”… Read the rest

So many people believe in a god or gods who will determine their afterlife.

I had a friend who believed every dead person would rise when Jesus returns.

“How will we all fit? What’ll we eat?”

“There will be plenty for everyone.”

Then the one who believes in reincarnation:

“I met you in this life, and I’ll meet you again.”

That’s what I said as I kissed her forehead before walking away from the last time.

“I love you, Gram, I’ll see you again. I’ll see you again.”

Truth is, I’ll believe in anything not to have to say goodbye.… Read the rest