i believed in a world that existed without you.

where summer enjoyed snowfall and the warm sweaters we bought together

and winter brought fresh flowers and midnight adventures in your car.

you had opened a door for a world I couldn’t believe in

just because you said ‘hello’

exactly when i needed it.

brightly painted frames

and a doorknob that jolted my body

every time i touched you.

you were only gone four months

but in my head it was nine years.

you didn’t shut the door on me

it was wide open the whole time

but i needed to know i could exist without you.

and i can.

but i don’t want to.