The Afterthought

by K.M. Baker

I would burn down the world for her if it meant she never had to live with a single painful memory ever again.

"You are more than just an afterthought. You are everything. My past. My present. My future. The reason my heart beats in my chest. You are my biggest regret and my greatest gift, all at the same time. I would do anything for you if you let me." "Do you mean that?" "I do. I love you, Avalynn Blake. Forever my heart." "Forever my always," she whispers back.

There it is, the stark reminder that I was in the exact same position as her when I was her age. Things turned out to be so chaotic for me, basing my future on a boy. I can't tell her she's wrong because that would make me a hypocrite. I just smile. If she wants my advice, I will gladly give it to her, but I remember being seventeen and hopelessly in love. If she thinks the two of them will rule the world together, then that's what they'll do.