January

We were right there — at the edge of it. The part where people usually walk away, say it’s too much, too messy, too hard. And for a second, I felt myself going into that mode I always go into — the nonchalant act, the fake calm, pretending I’m fine when I’m nowhere close. But this time, something in me said no. This time, I didn’t let it happen. I didn’t let her go. I told her the truth. I told her I didn’t want to end it. That I couldn’t. That I wouldn’t. I didn’t hold back, didn’t play it cool. I want you. I need you. I’m not walking away from this. Not from you. It wasn’t about pride. It wasn’t about fear. It was love. Real love — the kind that humbles you, strips you down, makes you admit you don’t have all the answers but you’d rather figure it out with her than pretend you’re okay without her. And that was the moment everything changed. Because I stopped trying to protect myself… and started fighting for her instead.