Alyson

Certain nights, I’ll go crazy over the fact that I can’t touch or be touched. I knew New York would be the last time. Everyone is so aware of time in the most wonderful way that they will tell you that you are beautiful without worrying about the repercussions, or even grab your hand. That is why I learned so much.

The people in my town believe that it’s the city kind who think they will live forever in their apartments adorned in tapestries and succulents. But all I see here is a fearful cycle that they keep up because they tell each other that “you have time!” and “don’t worry about it,” as though life after high school is something that will arrive in their driveways one morning after coffee and the news.

To have is to own; I would say we are renters.

I miss being touched, and I knew it would be the last time until I returned. ♦