Funny Story

by Emily Henry

It’s depleting. Like every time I dole out a kernel of my history to someone who’s not going to become a fixture in my life, a piece of me gets carried away, somewhere I can never get it back.

“Things go smoother if you don’t let people get a rise out of you,” he says. “If you give them control over how you feel, they’ll always use it.”

If you don’t give other people responsibility for your feelings, you can have a decent relationship with most of them.”

“Out here, you’re small and there’s no one else around, but you’re not lonely. It’s like you’re connected to everyone and everything.” “Exactly,” he says. “And you remember to marvel. It’s so easy to forget how incredible this planet is.”

Why do you suddenly want to move to Portugal?” “Why did you?” I ask. “I didn’t,” she says, like this should be obvious. “I just wanted to feel less…settled.”

“But if I’ve learned anything from parenting, it’s that it matters way more that you’re present than that you’re perfect.

Take in the soft musk of books and the hint of pine and something I can’t name but recognize like an old friend.

I’m excited about the unknown. I’m looking forward to the surprises.