Eventown

by Corey Ann Haydu

Still, it’s hard to be from Before when you are in Now.

But an ache isn’t the same thing as guilt. An ache doesn’t mean we were bad sisters or parents or people. An ache is just an ache: something that settles into your heart and reminds you that love is there even if the person you love isn’t.

The waiting is hard. I want everything to be delicious all at once. I want to skip over the hard parts, the boring parts, the lonely and sad and angry parts. But if I do that, the cake won’t be good. It won’t be right. So I wait. Even though it’s uncomfortable and too hot in the kitchen. Even though I don’t feel like waiting for the good part.