Page 85 of David's Chase

The quivering beginning, the uncertainty, the promise, the fantasy of a magical life shared with another person.

The chase against the clock to establish intimacy, friendship, and familiarity.

All the good ingredients of a solid bond.

Despite being a bleep in an ocean of unpredictability, a spike across a flat line, and an oddity in the end, our story is still entitled to a beautiful life.

Since I keep checking my butt in the mirror, I open my robe, let it slide off my shoulders, and take a few pictures.

‘Look at you. All vixen and shit,’ the voice inside my head mutters.

Oh, I didn’t miss this one.

‘Jealous much?’

‘Don’t care.’

‘Yeah, sure. Like I believe you.’

A few moments pass as I snap more pictures.

‘And what do you exactly want to accomplish by doing this?’she asks.

“Sometimes things are not about accomplishing anything. I’m just about having fun.’

‘Obviously.’

She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms over her chest.

I ponder whether to get into this with her.

‘Listen. I like this man––’

‘Didn’t say a thing.’

‘You clearly don’t need to say it. I can see it on your face. You’re more judgmental than my mother.’

‘It’s my right.’

‘Yeah. Whatever.’

She goes quiet, and I check on her to see if she’s all right.

‘You know a day will come when you will need to forget about him,’she says.

‘What are you talking about?’

‘You know exactly what I’m talking about. The man is done. He’s had his great love. He’s had his toxic marriage. What else do you think he needs?’

I hate to admit it, but she makes sense.

I stay quiet.

‘No more talking?’

‘I’m done with you. I’m going to eat my sandwich.’

‘Bon appétit,’she says facetiously.

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