The Right Sign

by Nia Arthurs

The most important lesson dad taught me about love is that it’s a choice. Not a feeling. Not the world moving in slow motion. Not my pants getting tight at a single look across the room. It’s deciding one day. And the next day. And the day after that. Until twenty years have passed and you’re still choosing her because love is choosing even when it sucks. But if you chose the right one, well, then… even when it sucks it’s worth it.

She doesn’t like me. Which is unfortunate. But temporary.

He is so finished. Love that

“I’ve learned in studying ASL,” Sullivan signs in a slow, determined manner, as if he really wants to get the sentence right, “that you should always be facing the person you’re signing with…” I hold my breath and my pulse becomes a stabbing rhythm in my wrist. “… if you don’t, they won’t see you and then they won’t understand you. Words will get lost. Meaning will die.” Will die? I don’t think that’s the right sign, but I don’t correct him.

“Yaya.” He finger spells my name fluently, easily, as if he’s practiced how to sign my name a hundred times. “Even when you’re not looking at me, I will always be facing you.”

flight so I’ll probably have to catch a bus. 4:20 DARE: What time’s your meeting? 4:21 YAYA: I’m not telling you. 4:21 DARE: It’s an innocent question. 4:22 YAYA: I’m not falling for that. The next thing I know, you’ll be buying me a plane ticket. 4:23 DARE: I was thinking more of chartering my private jet. 4:24 YAYA: show off 4:25 DARE: You told me I didn’t have to hold back anymore. I like taking care of you. 4:26 YAYA: And I like taking care of myself.

Now miss girl...

I’ll listen to you breathe for a bit and you won’t have to text back

A finished man

I scrub my hand over the emoji. Try to stifle a smile. Fail hard.

This is like the min min scene from strong girl do boon soon

“Because knowing what you don’t want is just as powerful as knowing what you do.

“Then focus on me. Tell me your doubts so I can prove why your fears won’t come true.”

Screaming Crying throwing up

I had the hotel staff scouring the city at an unholy hour to find her a proper bonnet.

I am on my knees