The Dinner List

by Rebecca Serle

“I’m a photographer,” he said. “What kind?” “I’m not so sure yet. Right now my specialty is being mildly bad at everything.

“I think I could live in Portland,” he said. “I have that dream. Wake up and go hiking. Cook. Listen to the rain.” “Wear a lot of Patagonia.”

Jessica has this theory that people in relationships are either flowers or gardeners. Two flowers shouldn’t partner; they need someone to support them, to help them grow.

“Happiness is not constantly needing things to be at their full potential,” Jessica says.

But isn’t that part of love? Refusing to see the parts that are so dark, so grim, they would send you running? Or is it that you see them and love anyway?

“But what if we just keep drifting apart and never find our way back?” Jessica sighs. She looks at me, unblinking. “Or what if we do? Can’t we believe in that for a change?”