Gravity

by Tal Bauer

“Hi,” I squeak. “I wear your number.” “Enchanté.” Bryce's grin grows. “I wear your number, too.”

My name etched into eternity is a cold comfort.

Before, the man in my dreams was indistinct. He was warm and solid, and he held me close and blocked out the world, but he never had a face. He was an idea, a formless want. My imagination at midnight. He has a face now.

I fell in love with my hope, and I hoped for him.

S’il te plaît, leave my heart broken,

I'll cradle his hopes and keep them safe until he can take hold of them again. I'll build scaffolds for his dreams, too, and I will lift him on my shoulders until he can touch the stars.