Playing with Fire

by L.J. Shen

Beauty was a seasonal friend; it always walked away from you eventually—and never returned when you truly needed it.

We’re all categorized. Stereotyped by our flaws and weaknesses. Welcome to life. It’s a bitch and then you die.”

“Whatever your journey is, be certain you have someone to lean on when things get tough. Because they always do. Someone who is not your grandmother. Someone chosen, not a built-in family member. Someone who’d walk through fire for you.”

“Trust is putting your optimism in another person, the very definition of being dumb.

“I’m grateful that Tuesday went down the way it did.” His voice was scratchy. Thick. “Because the worst day of your life gave me the best version of you.”