you know this already

You tell me you're afraid of falling in love, that you'll never be able to let someone in completely - and so you won't.

But you're wrong. I know this because I can hear the incredible joy and frustration and warmth in your voice when you talk to her, and when you talk to me about her from the colour of her eyes to the next big decision she has to make in her life. I can feel how your body tenses up when you look at her, and how your arms fit around her body to make sure that it fits with yours. I can see the whole heart you've given her already.

So be honest. Be courageous. And love her utterly, fully, and completely with your entire heart.

this

I don't think about this often, but when I do, I'm struck again about the enormity of it - how the two of us share something that I will think about for the rest of my life. You were there. You held my hand as we sat side by side on the long bus ride, and when they called my name. You were there when it was over too, and told me that it would be okay. But you were probably just as terrified as I was.

We don't know each other anymore. I don't remember your phone number, your birthday, or what your voice sounds like even. I don't know what makes you tick, what you like reading in bed when you can't sleep, or what brand of coffee gets you up in the morning fastest. But we do share this, and it'll be the only thing that will ever connect us.

at least

My bare feet rest on your cool hardwood floors, left cheek flush against the bedsheets, hair a mess. You're leaning back in your chair, chin resting on your hand and glasses pushed back in your thick hair. We're listening to her sing about lonely people in the city, and you explain to me how sad this song makes you feel, eyes bright and fingers fluttering over your face. I turn to lie on my back and listen to your voice go up and down and up again. The both of you talk about humid summer nights that stick to your skin, and our untapped ability to fall in love. I close my eyes and take solace in the fact that at least we have each other in our own city.