Window Shopping

by Tessa Bailey

Don’t trade emotional currency with strangers. You will never get a refund.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words are just a representation of the speaker’s insides—not me. And not you.

“Now, that’s a laugh worth waiting around for, Stella.” Then, more to himself, “I was wondering if you were ever going to let me hear it.”

Not only did I fantasize about her body, I had the nerve to pick out dinnerware without her input.

She’s window-shopping, while I’ve already bought out the whole damn store.

“A watched kettle never boils,

“I matching robes love you.” “I matching robes love you back,”