Make It Sweet

by Kristen Callihan

For the ones who find themselves in need of a little extra comfort and care.

Life was good. Was I allowed to say that? Sometimes I wasn’t sure I should. As though by acknowledging that I was happy and everything I’d ever wanted was slowly falling into place, I might jinx it.

“Men should always be on the to-do list,

“As with life, food is meant to be enjoyed. Never go to war with it, for we rarely win.”

Someone put all their skill and care into something that wasn’t meant to last but was to be enjoyed in the moment. In return, I felt cared for too.

“Just because all good things must come to an end doesn’t mean we aren’t allowed to mourn them.”

If you believe anything about me, believe I will always be the guy who stands with you, never against you.”

I was beginning to realize I’d take her anywhere she wanted. Whatever she needed, I’d do my best to provide. It was unsettling as hell, but some things weren’t worth fighting against.

But at the most basic level, abuse isn’t about the physically strong versus the weak. It’s a mindfuck, designed to break down your dignity and confidence.”

“Bees make honey, Em.” I nudged her again, hard enough to rock her and make her squeak with a laugh. “And you seem intent upon making me sweet.”

“Life doesn’t remain the same. It shifts and turns, and we must shift with it. Which isn’t a bad thing. How boring would it be to never see any change?”

“Failure is simply opportunity in disguise. I do not know of a single success story that did not have its share of failures along the way. We try, we grow, sometimes we fail. You either crumble and stop living life, or you pick yourself up and use the experience to set a new course.” Her words bubbled through me, stirring something that felt a lot like hope. Amalie’s gaze turned inward. “To live is to adapt. We’re constantly reinventing ourselves. Don’t be afraid of failure or change, loves; it means you’re alive.”

“Thing is, the more I get to know you, the more beautiful you are to me.”

“Speaking of ghosts,” he finally said in a low voice. “Who is Greg?”

“But that’s on me. I’m always building castles in the air, only to find out there’s nothing solid to rely on.”

“No, that is the point. You know this can be something more, and you don’t want it.”

Not petty. Guarded. You have to protect yourself.

It was over before it really began.

“Just remember, it doesn’t matter how far you go; you’ll always be where your heart is.”

“Beautiful and rare, something not to be contained but treasured.”

Don’t try to pick up the pieces of the broken ones. You’ll never be able to set them back to the way they were again.

We never spoke of love or forever. Why should I have expected anything?

Choose the life you want, but don’t be surprised if the people who care for you can’t stay and watch.”

I had found myself. With her. And life was good.