A gentle caress on my back
Yet I sit alone
A loving nudge of encouragement
Yet I remain glued to my phone
A warm consoling hug to remind me it’s ok
Yet I doom scroll
A releasing shoulder massage to help me relax
Yet my posture wanes
A kiss as a kind distraction
Yet my eyes grow heavy and alert
I’d have a friend to love me
Yet here I sit alone...
The crisp fall air turned cold and bitter as I rounded an unexpected path on a trail I’d hiked a dozen times. The trees seemed to arch in despair, their sparse dead leaves strewn about the forest floor, black and twitching in the wind as if to serve as a warning. The hairs on my back rose in response as my pace slowed and my icy breath thickened like visible spider webs crystallizing before me.
...
The sheets are warm from a full night’s rest. The smooth gentle touch of your leg against mine speaks of the excitement of a new day with you. My eyes warily take in the sunshine from the window as the soft white pillowcase cushions my face, just a little longer. There’s no need to rush into the day because I have everything I need right here anyway....
