I am.

I just need you, my river.

They were all laughing and making sex jokes, and Susan was doing her best to laugh along with them. When she saw me approaching the group, her face went “ashen.” It was almost like she didn’t want to remember what she was like twelve months ago, and she certainly didn’t want the boys to know that she knew me and used to be my friend. The whole group got quiet and stared at me, but I didn’t even notice them. I just looked at Susan, and all I said was,
“Do you ever miss him?”

-Charlie.

November 1, 1838

"And my purpose is to tell you how I remember your warning. How you told me that your kiss was as the kiss of a siren who steals sailor's hearts. How once yours touched mine, my heart would lose all inhibitions. How it would become your property. How I would long for you at night when I sleep, and in my dreams construct our fabled togetherness. How I would refuse to comforted by other women. How I would become a mess. I am not comforted by the thought of passing time, or of oceans between us. I am only interested in the desperate thought that what happened long ago between you and I was not so bad after all, and that I would not rob myself of the memories of you for the trade of my life. Your warning was correct."

-M.J.