The Two of Us

by Taylor Torres

I think some of the best friendships are ones like this, where you can sit in complete silence and never once feel lonely.

“Be kind. Be funny. Be interesting. That is where you will find your power.”

I’ve learned that disappointment is a by-product of expectation. I no longer expect things from my mother, so she no longer has the power to make me spiral. You can’t change people; I know that now. And I will no longer concern myself with begging people to stay. Begging them to want me back. I’ll take what I can get from those who will give it.

No matter how much you love someone, you can’t save them from drowning. They have to love themselves enough to learn how to swim.”

people don’t give kids enough credit. They’re inquisitive and thoughtful. Smarter than we think and often underestimated. They could probably teach us a lot if the world wasn’t so hellbent on convincing them they don’t know what they’re talking about.

We run. We’re runners. Because we’re afraid of how heavy the weight of our emotions can be. How all-consuming. I let my mom convince me that those emotions were too much.

“I’ve loved you since that kiss outside of Old Maple and I’ve loved you since we both lost the person we loved the most. I loved you then and I love you now. And if you’ll have me… I’ll love you until my last breath.” My tears fall freely now. “You’re the love of my life, Mara, but you’re my best friend too. I like you as much as I love you. I could have a million lifetimes with you and it still wouldn’t be enough. So, take your time.”

Sometimes we mistake our emotions for the truth. Sometimes our truth isn’t the truth at all.