A Fragile Enchantment

by Allison Saft

she wanted more than she’d ever allowed herself to want. The good, the bad, and everything in between: all of life and its ten thousand ways to cut you. All of the things she’d never envisioned for herself. To grow old. To be hurt. To fall in love.

Our fates are not sealed. It is never too late to live the way you wish, and you are not doomed to anything. I understand what it’s like to not want to disappoint people. But you deserve to be happy, too. Life is too short, and it is yours.”

Perhaps tomorrow, reality would crash down around her. But here, right now, with the patter of the rain and the whisper of the fire around them, she couldn’t find it in herself to worry, to regret a single self-indulgent moment at all.

“I am not convinced that all trouble is bad.”

Your divine blood is extraordinary—but your compassion and patience for others more so. You make things lighter wherever you go.”

“But if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that making yourself miserable to please others isn’t worth it. You deserve to live on your own terms.”

I feel like I’ve lived a thousand years in the time I’ve known you. I feel like I’m awake for the very first time. Even if you were gone tomorrow, even if you took my heart with you when you went, I wouldn’t regret a single moment I’ve spent with you. How could I? You’ve changed me. I will carry you with me forever.”