I've Never Wanted To Be Loved. And

I’ve Never Had Any Objection To Appearing Depraved Or Villainous. But I Draw The Line At Looking Like A Prize Idiot.

As We Talked, I Had The Sense Of Uncovering Something Precious And Long-buried, Fully Formed. Our Conversation Was A Process Of Removing Layers, Some Of Them Easily Dusted Away. Other Layers, Requiring Chisels Or Axes, Were Left Alone For Now. We Revealed As Much As We Dared About What Had Happened During The Years That Separated Us. But It Wasn't What I Had Expected, Being With Hardy Again. There Was Something In Me That Remained Stubbornly Locked Away, As If I Were Afraid To Let Out The Emotion I Had Harbored For So Long.

I Suppose Now I'm Obliged To Wish You Happiness In Your New Life. Although Happiness In The Absence Of Indoor Plumbing Is A Debatable Concept.

The Guy Who Broke Up With Me... He Was Exactly Like You, In The Beginning. Charming, And Nice. They're All Like You In The Beginning. But I Always End Up Like This. And I Can't Do It Anymore.

Dear Lord,” She Said In A Strangled Whisper. “i Can Bear It For A While...but Please Don't Let It Hurt Forever.