Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun

by Jonny Garza Villa

Anywhere together, we’d be looking out for one another. And I want to hold his hand. To show us off.

I look up into the evening sky, I see the moon and the sun. Together. Sharing the same sky.

I’m fine with ignoring this for the rest of today and tonight. No more mentioning tomorrow. Only you and me and right now.”

this is as good as I could’ve hoped for. And this is exactly how I’d want it to end.

I’ve had a million I don’t want this to end moments all week,

“You’re my moonlight, Julián Luna. A brightness in the dark. I knew if I kept trying, one day I’d reach out and you’d be there. You’d be here.”

“Then you’re my sunshine, Mặt Trời Pham. Since the day I met you, when I would wake up feeling scared, anxious, or alone, you’ve been my warmth and clarity. I’m lucky you found me.”

“I’m lucky you finally allowed yourself to be seen.”

I need to remember how he makes me feel alive.

you should have someone who doesn’t mind if you’re messy, and who will make you feel safe against all the things that keep you awake. Who will take on the world with you, hand in hand. And who, every time we hug, will remind you that this—us—was meant to be.”

Rolie being content single in high school doesn’t make him any less or more something. He knows who he is and what’s important to him. Better than any of us could say about ourselves.”

“You’re my Moonlight, Jules Luna. Always.”

it hurts knowing you won’t get to know who I will become. To see all that I’ll do. To meet the people who have shown me love and acceptance when you refused to.

Being gay isn’t something I was able to choose. To be happy, to get out of bed every morning, to be strong and brave and proud of who I am, sure. Those were choices.