You & I, Rewritten

by Chip Pons

“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign or weakness nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love.”

There’s just something I love about new beginnings. The chance to wipe your slate clean, completely starting anew in an environment where people know only what you want them to know.

“I don’t know why I get like this sometimes…where the little things become overwhelming, and the big things become insurmountable.”

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with recognizing how we each react to stress and anxiety. Trust me when I say I’ve been there, done that. There is no shame in being in-tune with our emotional and mental health needs.”

“Because the way you looked at me…” His voice cracks. “I never, ever want to make you look at me like that again. I don’t think I could handle it.”

“Everything with Graham feels so…” “Sexy?” Klair interrupts. “Ha Ha,” I mock. “Okay, yes…obviously sexy. I’m not blind. But…no, it’s just that with him, it feels like exhaling. That’s the only way I can describe it. Like I’ve been holding this breath my entire life,” I point to my heart. “And then this man comes along, and he sees me for who I am, and for the first time in my life, I can just be.”

Don’t risk living a life wondering what could have been because of someone else’s hurt and pain.”

“I’ve never believed in fate or in happily ever after’s. At least I didn’t until you came along, Will.” His voice is soft as he cups my face. “But loving you and knowing you love me back has fundamentally changed me. It’s like being seen for the first time ever. Like I am free of the man I thought I needed to be and I finally get to be who I’ve always wanted to be—happy, spontaneous and so hopelessly in love with the man of my dreams.”

“You had the audacity to come rushing into my life with your big and beautiful feelings, Will Cowen, and you decided that I was worthy—worthy of your time and your heart.” Graham places his large hand across my chest, his warmth flowing straight to my core in a moment I know will be ingrained in my mind forever. “And if I have any say in the matter, I hope to be worthy of every second of your always.”

“I will spend the rest of my life telling and showing you that if you need me to, because I love you, Will. I am so sorry you are hurting, but I will help you through it with every ounce of love I have.”

“I love you in the most profoundly deep way anyone is able to love another, Will. I will always be there for you.”