In Our Hands

by Larissa C. Moyer

When we love, we strive to become better than we are. When we strive to be better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. —Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Otis is in my head line, he’s in my heart line, he’s in my skin.

“Just so you know, I snore,” I sign, smirking. “Loud.” A small smile slowly pulls at the corner of his lips before he shrugs one of his shoulders. “That’s okay. I’m deaf.” Touché.

“It’s Gaelic for ‘My heart is in you,’”

I don’t feel like I’ve found a new boyfriend with Otis. It feels like I found a lost family heirloom. Something that was always mine to keep but couldn’t find. I smile at him, feeling like I found treasure.

Rubbing my thumbs along her cheeks, I kiss her like she’s my life source. Isn’t she?

You’ve always been someone who loves deeply, Evie. You give it so freely, but it’s a gift that comes at a high price because unfortunately, not everyone will treasure it the way they should. Some people will take what they need and leave. But please, always remember, even if they do: It’s still a gift. It’s invaluable. It’s my favorite thing about you, baby girl. And no matter what, I’ll always treasure it. And you. Love, Dad.

She’s the best gift I’ve gotten in my entire fucking life.

“People have to talk about something just to keep their voice boxes in working order so they’ll have good voice boxes in case there’s ever anything really meaningful to say.”

I once read that the light we see here on Earth was actually created tens of thousands of years ago. But once the light reaches here, it’s a quick eight minutes until our eyes see it. That’s how it feels to be in love with Evelyn. Actually, that’s how it feels to know Evelyn loves me. We spent years becoming friends and eventually family, that when our relationship evolved, it was like light hitting the Earth. Years of unseen love and longing, and then suddenly, our light hit and we quickly saw everything.

“You’re part of each other, love. She’s always had a beautiful heart, but you’re her pulse. You’re the pounding in her chest. You bring her to life.”

And when you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it.”