Love on the Brain

by Ali Hazelwood

“I must thank you. For saving Bee’s life,” she says solemnly. “To me, she is like a mother. The mother I never had.” “You have an amazing mother back in Baltimore,” I point out, “and I’m only five years older than you.” I am ignored. “I want to give you a token. To acknowledge your contributions.” “There’s no need,” Levi says, just as solemnly. Rocío rummages in her jeans pocket and offers him an unwrapped, slightly squished red gumball. “Thank you. This is . . .” He looks at the gum. “A thing that I now have.” Rocío nods somberly, and then Levi and I are alone.

He’s so handsome. Stupidly, unjustly handsome. I want to look at his stupidly, unjustly handsome face for . . . for as long as I possibly can. Could be a minute. Hopefully, it’ll be seventy years.