One Golden Summer

by Carley Fortune

I’m not sure when I start crying, only that I’m overwhelmed with how big the galaxy is and how insignificant I am.

Low-key drugs??? Sleep under the stars

Sounds ljke a good plan tbb

Charlie: Did I interrupt your morning, princess?

Ok im obsessed w him

My instinct is to say no, to stay safely onshore, but then I remember the list and that teenage Alice would have flipped if a cute guy gave her a Jet Ski ride. So I change my mind. I do it for younger me.

This is so wholesome

Water drips from the branches, onto the forest floor and tin roof. A drop lands on my shoulders. I stand there quietly, listening to the earthy song.

I KNOW it smells good as fuck

“But the thing about love languages,” Charlie says, “is it’s not just about how we express love, but how we receive love. You need someone to do something for you that makes you feel loved. Someone to help you.” I shake my head. “I hate asking for help.” “That’s because deep down, you want someone to see what you need before you have to ask.”

He gets it UGH

“When your grandmother asked me to get her something, I just wanted to help.”

Awwwwwwwwwww wtf

“I like Charlie a great deal, but I’m saying that because I see you together, and it reminds me of what it felt like to fall in love.”

UGHHHHH

Nan lays it flat on the table, taking a photo with her iPad.

Shes so cute

I can do hard things. Jump off cliffs. Kiss cute guys. I can’t backflip into the water, but I can say no to opportunities that don’t serve me.

Tears stream down Nan’s cheeks as we sail across the water, and I’m not sure if it’s from the wind or whether she’s caught up in the moment.

Ugh

“Auntie Ali, please. I’m not stupid. You two are obviously doing it.” My mouth: open. My face: scarlet. My ability to speak: zero. My niece—whose diaper I changed not that long ago!—is talking about sex.

Screaming

And then I see it on the road. Everything happens so quickly. I scream Charlie’s name. A squeal of tires. The slam of brakes. And then I’m thrown against the side of the car.

WHAT????

I’m lucky to have so much past, so many memories. It’s a gift to age.”

“You’re thirty-six.” His smile takes my breath away. “I made it,” he says.

IM CRYING