Lotus

by Jennifer Hartmann

“Look, I know you didn’t want to see me, but—” “I wanted to see you.” I’m startled by the sound of my own voice as I turn to look at her through a jagged swallow. “I just didn’t want to be seen.”

Even when you were gone, you still held my heart.” “I’m not gone anymore, Syd.” His palms find my face, clasping my cheeks, tears slipping through his fingers. “I’m right here, with you, and I’m still holding on to your heart. Please don’t ask me to give it back.”