Wild Card

by Elsie Silver

I see my friend approach her front porch. The one where her husband sits on the steps waiting for her.

Pretty flowers and pretty Gwen. The color reminds me of her eyes.

I can be safe and kind. I can be mature and kind.

When he looks at me like this, I feel like I might be the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. I feel like I’m his.

“Gotta keep you coming back for more.” He sobers for a beat. “I’m never going to get enough. I can promise you that much. I’ll always be coming back to you.”

I might let it all burn if it means finding her. If Gwen is gone, nothing else matters.

“I love it here,” she finally whispers. “It’s beautiful,” I reply simply. “No. I mean here. With you. This life. I love it all.”