I set the beautiful paperweight on the corner of my desk. Underneath it is a stack of information leaflets and applications I’ve collected; art classes, volunteer opportunities, and Marketing jobs — I’ll let destiny lead the way.
It’s been almost a month since I sent that message to Eli — I don’t regret it anymore. I needed to write him those words. Whether he read them or not is not the point. I still think about him every day… I think I always will.
But every single day, it hurts a little less.
I think about Paper Island. That day was perfect until I ruined it all. Eli had written, ‘Be happy, my beautiful Gabriella’on the scrap of paper he hung in the tree next to mine. It’s all he ever wanted… my happiness.
And for him, I resolve to be happy. Even if that means being happy without him.
* * *
Every day, I think about him, and what could have been in an alternate universe. My mind full of him, I doodle absentmindedly and scribble in my notebook. I’m not sure if I’ll ever share this one…
My bookshelf is full…
Lined with stories,
And adventures.
Little knick knacks
I’ve collected over the years.
One of my favorite books
Sits on the top shelf.
I’ve only read it once.
It was colorful and exciting.
It moved me,
And will stay with me forever.
It was meant to be opened only once,
And I’ll never touch it again.
Content to simply gaze at it,
And remember…
The beautiful story it told.
* * *
I flatten the skirt of my dress nervously. It’s been forever since I’ve been on an interview. I feel confident. I’ve worn my best suit, a slim-fitting red two-piece. Red is my best color — it’s my power color. I always feel confident when I wear red. John says I look fantastic in red. And I never forget to apply matching lipstick. I’m a force to be reckoned with.
I check my watch. It’s 10:57. Any minute now.
I look at my watch again. 11:09.
And again. 11:24.
And again. 11:31.
Finally, a petite young blonde in a sleek black suit makes an appearance. “Gabriella Moore?” she asks.
