Fragile Longing

by Cora Reilly

I’d lost count of the times I’d imagined how to dismember Remo, how to bring him to his knees and make him beg for mercy. He did neither. Till the very end, his air of arrogance remained untouched. It didn’t matter what we did to him, he kept up that arrogant smirk.

“Being stupid is the best thing about being young,” she said. “We’ll be tied down with responsibilities soon enough. Let’s make stupid decisions as long as we can.”

“I think I lost myself.” “She’s still in there. You just lock her in way too often. Let her out. Before the thing with your sister, people liked you for who you were. Why shouldn’t they do the same now?” Tears burned in my eyes. “I’m not sure I know who I am anymore. Everything I’ve done these last few years has been to please others. I faded into the background to give Mom and Dad room for their sadness. I never asked Samuel for anything because I didn’t want him to think I was taking Fina’s place. I always adapted to everything around me. I was so stupid.”

Shortly before Fina disappeared from view, Remo wrapped his arms around her from behind and she leaned into him. Fina was truly happy. I’d occasionally worried that wasn’t the case, but now I didn’t have the slightest doubt.