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....