I fell out of love with words this year, in a year where I’ve lost more than I ever thought I would, one of the greatest losses was language itself. The words I didn’t say, the words I didn’t write, the words I didn’t read. It took time, anger, and even a little hate to find my way back. I found my words. I’ve missed you, but I have missed myself more.

Growing up along the crash of the waves, with sunburns on my shoulders and sunspots across my cheeks, the heat never really left — even at night. This town, small enough for everyone to know your name and big enough to be treated like a destination spot. Paradise to many, but not all of them stay when it rains.

She arrived ten minute early, curly hair bouncing with ever step, in flat shoes and school uniform. At 17 time seems to go buy slowly. I arrive on the dot, curly hair tamed, in flat shoes, jeans, and a shirt. At 27 time passes by too quickly.