Page 84 of The Girl with No Name

“You don’t think I’m being dramatic?”

“Heartbreak can break the best of us. I’ve seen it happen.”

“Thanks.” She wipes her face. “I’ve had a difficult time since that breakup. I’ve tried everything, even tried moving away for a few months to L.A. Then I moved back to Chicago because I thought maybe I shouldn’t run away, maybe that was my problem. I stopped drinking. I started drinking again—in moderation—and tried to just enjoy life. I did every kind of therapy you could think of. I still have this nagging feeling that I’m…I don’t know. That I’m inadequate. And that I’ll never truly trust a man again. That there’s this secret code to being happy that I don’t understand, and I’ll never quite make it out of this valley I’m in.”

Our thighs are pressed together now, and she’s running her hand over my wrist.

“Luna, look at me.”

She holds my eyes, and the moonlight beams off hers.

“You’re a really, really special person. And a guy some day is going to realize that. And you’re going to be so happy and appreciative with the perspective you’ve gained.”

“I appreciate that.”

“No. Really. It’s just the truth.”

She nods, but a tear runs down her cheek.

“It’s just that, when something bad happens to me, I try to figure out how it’s actually the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Whoa. That’s deep.”

Our eyes remain locked.

“But with my ex, I don’t know how that could have been the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m trying to find the silver lining, but I haven’t found it yet.”

I run a hand onto her shoulder, and through her hair.

She continues. “I just, I want to get back to having that light in my eyes, you know? I haven’t felt it in so long. I haven’t seen it in myself when I look at pictures any more. I don’t know what to do, Reed.”

Tears prick at her eyes. I feel myself getting a little bleary eyed too, thinking about all she’s been through, and feeling the emotion transfer from her.

“Luna…I have to say something.”

“Okay?”

“Look at me,” I tell her.

She turns her head, a little reluctantly, and brings her dark eyes to mine. I keep my hand on her shoulder.

“I’ve never met anyone with as much light in their eyes as you. You have a great smile. You’re incredible to be around. I feel honored just to have gotten to spend the weekend with you. I’m just soaking up every moment with you on this crazy adventure while I can.”

She sniffles and a tear drop runs down her cheek.

“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“No.” The truth is conveyed in the firmness of my tone of voice. “I’m not. Not by a long shot.”

“Thanks.” Her voice is shaky, but I think she gets my point. “We should probably head back now, don’t you think?” She adds.

“Yeah.” I agree. “I think so.”

I look up and see a few clouds overhead. The night has gotten progressively warmer and more humid.

“My phone’s dead,” she says.

“Mine too. Guess we’ll have to walk back. I know the way, though.”

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