Darling Venom

by Parker S. Huntington

“Pain is growth. Fear is risk. You can’t be happy if you’re not growing and taking risks.”

He looked me straight in the eyes, unwavering. “You’re breathing, Charlie. You are breathing, and it is beautiful, and I am so grateful for that.” It might’ve been better than the L-word.

“You won’t suddenly catch the writer’s bug if you read one book. Somehow, I highly doubt you’re liable for a mid-life career change.” “Mid-life? I’m in my mid-thirties.” I scrunched my nose. “Positively geriatric.”

“I love you, Charlotte Richards. I can’t promise you I’ll always be okay, but I can promise you I’ll always love you and I’ll never be ashamed to say it. Over the past five years, I lost myself in grief. But then I found the most precious thing in the world—you.”