The person walking beside me is my best friend. We have a decade of friendship under our belt and understand each other on a level others wouldn't understand.

Inseparable and connected by the hip. Physical distance had once made things less convenient, but our friendship remains as strong as ever.

Today, I'm walking beside someone I barely recognize and I wonder if they feel the same about me. ...

What am I doing with my life?

What am I not doing, that I should be?

When will I find some security again?

When will I feel peace within myself?

Where do I belong?

Where did I go wrong?

How do I feel?

How long before it's too late?...

Bella's grandma, Rosa did her own makeup frequently. Blushed cheeks and bold colored lips for special occasions. She always used her vintage gold compact mirror. It stayed in her purse and traveled with her. The makeup compact always intrigued Bella even though the powder was gone inside and the gold paint was wearing off. Her granddaughter's intrigue in the old, barely usable item confused Rosa.

...

I won't always be there, but I'm lying beneath the surface.

I've missed you lately,

so I'm back like a flare.

Giving you a rosy kiss,

dryness,

discomfort on your cheek.

The wind infuriates me,

so I peel your largest organ.

Eventually I'll calm,

but I'll be sure to visit again soon.

Yours always,

Rosacea...

The woman in the purple hat was my most loyal customer. She ordered her usual herbal tea and almond croissant daily. It came out to $8 even and I'd eventually allow her to leave the money under the plate, as she was in a rush most days.

One day the money wasn't under the plate. The shop hadn't been doing well, but I was more concerned with purple hat lady and her seemingly unusual behavior. I ask...

darkness settles in the room.

the illusion of a peaceful sleep.

a dream.

sleepy eyes and a dazed mind.

the bedroom door propped open slightly.

a glimpse of the hallway.

there he stood.

tall,

peering in,

hat secure on his head.

the darkness grows,

at the foot of my bed.

a nightmare....

We gathered around the table. Our laughter filling the space around us. We were playing as characters, but we had never felt more ourselves. All excited to see how the story unfolds with the board game spread out before us....

I felt so nauseous. I couldn't hide my feelings any longer, it felt like they were pounding out of my chest. I've never been one to be brave or risky, but this undying love was eating me alive.

I approached you, like any other day. We laughed about old memories and made promises to catch up soon. After our goodbyes, I asked you to wait.

I just have to get something off my chest. Our energy tog...

alarmingly still.

seemingly dependable.

calm wind through the grass.

yet,

eerie and mystifying.

unknown to me.

full of critters unnervingly existing,

desperate for their survival.

fear looming without the words to accurately describe it.

I'd grow to learn these crawlers were just as misunderstood as the small child trembling in the tall grass.

not creepy....

lost,

isolated,

crawled out of the crypt.

peace lily–

gentle, strong, and beautiful.

a genuine heart and blossoming laughter.

shining light in a dark room.

refreshing tranquility.

peace lily–

standing tall....