Her mind moves faster than a jaguar. She has to think quick, because life is dire. Her muscles flex in preparation to pounce. She’s willing to fight with every last ounce. She resembles an evergreen. Oh so resilient, fighting to stay alive, she shines with brilliance.

Sydney knelt beside her bed with her husband, Emilio’s phone in her hand. She could barely breathe as she read through his text messages intently. Sydney knew she was wrong for invading her partners’ privacy, but this was her last resort. For the past few months, their relationship had been rocky. Despite turmoil, their bond had always been strong because they communicated well. And yet, Sydney read words that Emilio had never uttered to her and opinions of people who didn’t know anything about their relationship. She tried to reason with herself. _He’s a grown man, he deserves privacy. Do not take these things personal. This is what you get for being nosey. Curiosity killed the cat. _Sydney knew she went looking for trouble, but her anger and hurt demanded an answer. Emilio shifted in bed and Sydney dropped flat on to her belly. She held her breath hoping he would not wake up before she could make a clean escape. Emilio let out a deep snore then became as still as a board once again. Sydney peaked over the bed before sitting back up. She looked down at the phone in her hands and felt like a silly little girl for snooping. Letting out a small sigh, she reached over Emilio to place his phone by his head, but then snatched it back quickly. One more thing, Sydney thought. She fumbled with his phone until she seen Emilio’s “recently deleted 🗑️” folder. Sydney’s heart thumped as she recovered messages from Emilio’s friend Christina, and a few other unknown numbers. She swiped back over to his original message thread to begin reading. Her eyes became teary as she read a casual conversation between Christina and Emilio. Christina wanted to know what had changed between the two. Sydney was not upset at the messages, but at the sneakiness, the need to hide things. She couldn’t wrap her head around why Emilio would delete these messages since they seemed to be nothing of substance, but deep down Sydney felt that there had to be something more. Sydney’s neck was sweating, her palms were clammy, and her armpits were soaked. She swallowed and took a deep breath in an effort to calm down her shaking body. The anxiety and hurt became too much to bear. Sydney gently set Emilio’s phone down by his head before gathering her essentials for a well needed bath. She entered the bathroom and stared in the mirror before turning on the tub. She slipped off her drenched clothes and poured bath salts into the water. Her head spun as she thought about how she would approach Emilio. Just then the door crept open and Emilio popped his head inside the bathroom.

They weep. He sleeps. Eyes teary. Hearts weary. I’m confused but aware. My aunt who’s a tomboy cloaked in feminine wear. I’m aware but confused. My uncle who never cries is using tissues. They weep. He sleeps. Eyes teary. Hearts weary. I’m confused but aware. My hand is pulled and I rise from my chair. I’m aware but confused. I am told it is time to say goodbye, I see no issue. They weep. He sleeps My eyes are teary. My heart is weary. I’m going to miss you.

There’s a hole inside my heart, your smile sealed the deal. It grows bigger when we are apart, the words you speak, I intimately feel.

Caught up in the midst of emotions, destruction soon follows. Our feelings deeper than oceans, we try not to be swallowed.

A mutual agreement to seperate, too much to sacrifice. Our minds made up but fail to stay, two hearts beat agonized.

I pulled his hand and guided him to the back of the building as my heart raced. In this moment I felt brave. Be it authentic or liquid courage. I was ready to profess my love. We swiftly navigated through the crowd of people until the exit was in sight. I pushed the door and it swung open hard. My adrenaline was rushing and the butterflies in my stomach only summoned the frog in my throat. We stood against the side of the building and I looked up at him as he looked down at me. “Wassup ?” Raheem asked with his eyebrows furrowed. The door swung open. Tyler, Raheem’s friend burst through. “Aye !” He shouted loudly, clearly wasted. “Where y’all going, the party inside.” “N—a go back inside we tryna have a word.” Raheem said annoyed as he looked at me then looked back at Tyler. “Aighttt I’m just tryna make sure brody coo’ is all.” Tyler said with a smirk before going back to the party. We both laughed at Tyler’s drunk antics before getting back to our interrupted conversation. Raheem turned to me and grabbed one of my hands. “You good ?” He inquired seriously. I felt weak instantly. Why is he touching me ? Asking me if I’m good. Looking fine as hell. He knows what he is doing. “Yea I’m good, you good ?” I ask casually, maintaining my composure. He licks his lips before replying. “Yea I’m good, you pulled me out here like it was urgent baby I’m just curious.” Raheem said. I swallowed hard before I spoke. “ I pulled you out here because ….” Just as I was about to spill out my feelings, the door swung open again. Two drunk girls stumbled out. “I’m about to puke.” The shorter friend of the two announced. Raheem chuckled and grabbed my hand again, this time pulling me with it. We walked towards the street and stopped at his black sedan. He opened the passenger door for me and closed it gently before walking around the car to get in the drivers side. “They were wasted.” I said to beat the awkward silence I knew was coming. “Hell yeah, throwing up and sh-t. Gotta be able to handle that liquor.” Raheem said as he chuckled. “Now that we ducked off, wassup?” Raheem asked turning to face me in his seat. “Well, I wanted to tell you that ….” I said contemplating the reveal of my feelings. “Tell me what?” Raheem said as he shifted in his seat while staring directly at me. I sat in silence for a moment staring back at him. Partly because I was so nervous, also because I could sense his building anxiety. As we stared the eye contact became more intense. Raheem cracked a smile, then so did I. We busted out laughing together. “Bro what?” He asked in between gasp while laughing. “Okay you ready?” I asked while giggling. “Spit it out.” Raheem said growing impatient. “I love you.” I said shocked at how easy it was. “I love you more shorty.” Raheem said back before hugging me.

Where a few great men traveled to see God. Lifting up praises, eyes widen in awe. Evil too awaits for their feet to slip and fall, Yet agape love tramples enemies, beating temptations above all.

Your strong embrace nestles me safe. In your arms no weapon can prosper. An honor it is to be protected by you. Our love, our bond, it’s deeper than true. An amorous connection, from which our child grew.

Balancing on the foundation of self proclaimed resilience, Breaking in silence when the moon becomes brilliant. Resuming daily task with excellence and zest, though my home left in shambles and my mind a mess. The hope of a future pushes me through, everyday that passes is a chance to become new.

I love you so much, I’d go against the grain, Not caring what people think, I’d happily tarnish my name. I enjoy catching your affection like a little girl with her tongue out in the rain. I know the small droplets aren’t enough, but they quench my pangs. I learned to appreciate the love you give, even if it’s only a little. Still our feelings so deep that someone outside couldn’t reach the middle. I’m open to change, but I love you for who you are. Every knick, every bump, every dent, every scar. For I knew the game of hearts would be hard. I knew I’d change too, feel worn, say less, yet still to you my unconditional love is sworn.

I was mindin’ my business, you was mindin’ yours, as we walked through a little ole bookstore, we both touched the book, then gave each other a look, that said what you know bout this. We skimmed through the book together, one after another, and that was our first kiss.