The Truth About Love

by Maisie Myers

“Summer-Raine,” Auden’s warm hands take mine, “is that okay? I know it’s kinda terrifying, fuck, it scares me so much I can’t sleep at night. But I needed you to know, you know? And you don’t have to say it back, not right now, not until you’re ready. I know how you feel without needing to hear those words from you, but I wanted you to hear them from me. So, is it okay, baby? Is it okay that I love you?”

Don’t hide from me, I want to yell at her. But she isn’t mine to demand that of her anymore.

We’re strangers and soulmates and ghosts from our pasts. I’ve moved on from her, yet I’ve loved her every single day since she left.

Babe isn’t the name you use to refer to the love of your life.”

And just know, my pretty girl, that whenever you think of me, I’ll be thinking of you too.”