“It was hollow, my triumph, I could feel that, but I held on to it just the same.”

“I held her close to me with my eyes closed, wonering if anything in my life had ever been this perfect and knowing at the same time that it hadn't. I was in love, and the feeling was even more wonderful than I ever imagined it could be.”

“As I held the family Bible in my hand and I could almost feel the joys and sorrows that connected me to the past.”

“And I began to feel sorry for myself; for so many years, my drawer full of memories had held the same old stories.”

“Coupla weeks ago, you gave me a fuckin’ sweet nightie and words I loved hearing.”I felt my entire body go still as I held his eyes.“Forgot to mention I feel the same,” he stated and my insides hollowed out.“What?” I breathed.“Put down the rice and come here, baby, I wanna tell you I love you when you’re in myarms.”I didn’t move. I stared at him, my internal organs gone but still, my body managed toproduce tears which gathered in my eyes and then promptly and silently slid down mycheeks.”

“I watched you wake up and try to wake me up too. I could still feel you touch my face and my cheek. I liked the way you brushed my hair back with your hand. I liked the way held onto my hands with your hands. They must have felt a little cold and a little wet but they started to feel warm again when you held onto them. I want you to know that I stayed there with you and held onto you too.”