Verity

you’ll swallow these words and they will become part of you, part of your gut, and you will hurt because of them.

“Give my best to Sherman.”

Patricia makes a face. “My husband’s name is William.”

Jeremy nods once. “Oh. That’s right. I get them confused.”

I hear Patricia scoff as we walk away. When we make it to the next aisle, I say, “Um. Who is Sherman?”

“The guy she fucks behind her husband’s back.”

What you read will taste so bad at times, you’ll want to spit it out, but you’ll swallow these words and they will become part of you

It’s natural, to assume the worst in people, even if that assumption is only for a split second.

Human.

Curious.

Carry on.

Weird how his potential discomfort brings me comfort. I don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to work.

“Some families are lucky enough to never experience a single tragedy. But then there are those families that seem to have tragedies waiting on the back burner. What can go wrong, goes wrong. And then gets worse.”

idea of me is better than the reality of me.

“Yes. What do you want?”

His head falls backward and he laughs, once, like that was a stupid question. Then he says one word, like it’s the easiest question he’s ever answered.

“You.”

He lowers his head a little, looking me firmly in the eye. “Your writing matters to me, Lowen.”