A Risk on Forever

by N.S. Perkins

À mes parents, qui m’ont donné tout et encore plus.

Being able to read people without needing them to tell you what’s wrong is the greatest of gifts.

Show your emotions. Cry when you’re sad, laugh when you’re happy, scream when you’re mad, and kiss when you’re in love. You have every right to feel whatever it is you’re feeling, and expressing it can only help to show who you are as a person.

Advice number 1.5: kick them out of your life. They’re not worth it. You deserve to be with people who want to know your truth and to see your heart above all else.

“You and Matt, when are you getting married?” I choked on my own saliva, coughing and laughing inside my elbow at the same time. “Never? We’re not even together! Why would you ask that?” He yawned and closed his eyes before turning his back to me. I thought this was it, but as I got up again, he floored me with his answer. “Because he looks at you the way Daddy used to look at Mommy.”

You’ll never get what you want if you don’t work for it. Nothing in this world comes for free, and the best thing you can do for yourself is work your butt off for what you believe in. Fight, tooth and nail, for the people you love.

Sometimes, there are no right and wrong choices. You have to choose the lesser of two evils, knowing that whatever you decide, hearts will break.

never let the world ruin your heart of gold. No matter how much pain you go through, no matter what is thrown your way, no matter how people treat you, just don’t lose it. You might want to give it up for some bad people, but they’re not worth it. With love and empathy, you can never lose.

Don’t wait until you’re old or sick or dying to appreciate things. Live life to the fullest. Always. Starting now. Look at everything around you, be thankful for it, and enjoy the most of it. Time goes by so fast, blink and you’ll miss it. So never wait for anything. Your moment is now.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” Her voice was strained. I gazed at her, understanding exactly what she meant, even if she couldn’t tell my eyes were only on her. “I know.”

would’ve let you break my heart a thousand times over, just for the chance of getting more of the moments of pure happiness I felt when I was with you. If you’d just given me something, I would’ve given you everything.” With that, I turned around and left.

Falling in love with you wasn’t gradual. It hit me like a tidal wave.”