Still Beating

by Jennifer Hartmann

It’s funny how home can mean one thing one day and something entirely different the next. I think that’s because home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling.

“Every love story is worth writing, no matter how messy it might be,” Holly says absently, still stroking my hair. “I would like to read your book.”

It’s fitting, I decide. After all, we were created in darkness. It’s in our blood.

I told her I would stay with her until the darkness passed, and I did not lie.

You can’t tiptoe around your heart in fear of pissing people off or hurting their feelings. Sometimes we need to be a little selfish in order to avoid a life of complacency.”

love doesn’t exist without sacrifice.

“And sometimes it’s making the ultimate sacrifice and walking away for the greater good.”

There’s no shame in the struggle, but you can’t stay there forever.

“As long as it’s beating, I’m yours.”