Is She Really Going Out with Him?

by Sophie Cousens

Am I world-weary? Is that why I focus on the risk of humiliation and disappointment rather than delight in the joy of possibility?

“What does this mean?” I ask, pointing to the tattoo on his forearm. “Is it an ampersand?” He nods. “It symbolizes how nothing lasts. Unlike the infinity symbol, this says there will be an end, a new beginning, a next chapter, good or bad.”

Honestly I dig it.

I guess some things in life you don’t get to choose; you can’t choose the plot, but you can choose the soundtrack.

I feel this for my life lately.

“Some things are too difficult,” I say, quietly mortified. “Can you honestly tell me you tried, you tried with everything you had?” He regards me over the lip of his whiskey, then swigs it down. “Don’t let life make you hard, Anna. It’s the soft, gooey middle that makes it all so delightful.”

He is adorable.

“All’s well that ends well,” I tell her, my hands around her shoulders. “No. It’s only the end when you’re dead, darling,”