Before We Were Yours

by Lisa Wingate

I take it the author/character isn’t a real fan of historical fiction television or documentary film? And hell, it wasn’t France, but did she not watch Downton Abbey?!

This is what’s possible when love is real and strong, when people are devoted to one another, when they’ll sacrifice anything to be together. This is what I want for myself, but I sometimes wonder if it’s possible for our modern generation. We’re so distracted, so…busy.

The answer tastes bitter, so I don’t chew on it very long. Our schedules are always filled with other things. That’s why. Who chooses the schedules we keep? We do, I guess.

“I’m sure you’re used to getting what you want.” His insinuation burns. I’ve been fighting it all my life—

The music of old age is difficult to hear when it’s playing for someone you love.

“A woman’s past need not predict her future. She can dance to new music if she chooses. Her own music. To hear the tune, she must only stop talking. To herself, I mean. We’re always trying to persuade ourselves of things.”