“My favorite day… well… he met me behind the building. The copper toned bricks of Sunrise Apartments had never looked as bright as they did that day. When he took my hand, it was like it was suddenly summer. He had a car, but we walked that day. Along the grassy stretch of land beside the road, under the oak trees and over the leaves that had fallen from them. I didn't mind the cold when he held my hand.

We went to a pet store, and the fuzzy animals didn’t come close to the feeling in my heart. Their soft fur was no match to his soft smile. He told me about how he’d always wanted a small dog, and I told him I was afraid of them. He said he wouldn’t mind a cat, as long as he could still name it Ripper.”

I paused to clear my throat.

“Every day seemed like an adventure with him, even sitting on the couch made my pulse race. He held me when I cried, when I celebrated, and when nothing was happening. He’d put his head on my lap, and I’d comb his hair with my fingers while he sang every song that I hated until I loved them. With him, winter was never too cold and summer was never too hot.

He took the rose colored glasses and turned them into a life. Even when we fought he was gentle with me. He never liked to raise his voice, and sometimes I wish he had just so I could know what it sounded like. I used to miss him when he was in the next room, or when he was at work. I don’t know… I don’t know what I’ll do now.”

I look up.

“Uh, well, that’s where my draft’s at right now, so…”