The Ex Vows

by Jessica Joyce

It’s a gift to know someone when you’re in love with them, and a curse when you’re out of it.

Then we look at each other and the thirteen years of memories that silly little paper ring holds settle between us.

Eli is the living embodiment of it’s always the quiet ones.

“Fuck, the way I’ve wanted you,” he breathes against my mouth. “I don’t know how anyone can look at me and not see it.”

“So right now I’m going to say thank you and hug you, because if I don’t get my hands on you in some way I’m going to fucking lose it.”

“It matters,” he says, his voice breaking, “because I’m in love with you.”

*applause*

It’s a privilege to have someone trust you enough to show you those pieces of themselves, the most vulnerable and tender, the least polished. It’s a show of trust to let you see them first thing in the morning, in the middle of a panic attack, right after they’ve cried. To give you a shaky smile after a messy fight. To come back to you again and again with their heart in their hands.

another six star read.