Bring Me Back

by B.A. Paris

Worried I would lose you in the crowds that thronged the streets, I reached for your hand. “Stay with me!” I shouted above the noise of the traffic. Your hand tightened around mine. “Don’t worry, I will!” you called back. And I hoped that you would, forever.

But you’d become restless. I could tell you were beginning to feel caged, like a beautiful, wild animal. Sometimes you’d snap at me for no reason at all, although you were quick to apologize, as volatile in your temper as you were in your anger and frustrations.

Sometimes we lie for the greater good, don’t we?