The Coldest Winter

by Brittainy C. Cherry

I hope this year brings you more face sittings. That’s my New Year's resolution for you. By all means, I’ll be your first chair.”

I liked how he reminded me of a roller coaster—terrifying yet thrilling and worth the price of admission.

But the trouble with her being a good girl was that I was a bad boy who wanted her to be my good girl.

She laughed, and it sounded like something I’d want on a vinyl record so I could play it repeatedly.

“You don’t have to explain to me why I can’t kiss you, Star. I get it. I’m not a dumbass, and I’d never want to put you or your job at risk. But after seeing you today, seeing you free, I just wanted you to realize you are everything I’d ever want in a person, and if I could, I would kiss you for the rest of my life without a second of hesitation or doubt.”

“I already miss you, and you’re still here.” She inched in closer, pressing her body against mine, resting her head against my chest. “Can I tell you a secret?” “Yes.” “I missed you before I knew you existed.”

“One day, I’m going to love you out loud, and it will be the best day of my life.”

“I love you.” How could I not? She was the warm summer nights to my cold winter days. She was my person.

“Star, we come into this life with only one promise—that someday we will leave it. Death is the final act of everyone’s story. We all know this. The problem is so many people live life as if they are already dead, going through the motions of what they think they are supposed to do instead of living their most authentic lives. I don’t want you to be perfect. I want you to be real, and I want you to live. Fall in love and live. Screw up and live. Find yourself, Star, and live.”