If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

The world tilts. It suddenly feels like I’m falling through the ground, straight to the center of the earth. God, she’s breathtaking.

I haven’t made them in a while—they’re not exactly a town favorite. But maybe some people will like them this time around. Maybe Michelle will.

“Do what you want. It’s your life. What do I know?” “You know a lot.” “I know; it’s terrible being smart and pretty,” she says with a teasing smile.

I don’t know when it happened. It slipped over me so softly, like the changing of seasons. The seeping scent of baked bread first thing in the morning. A wistful sigh on a perfect fall day.

It’s respect, accented with adoration.