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Keep the photographs, especially the academic one.
Keep this letter without turning it into a promise I haven’t made.
For tonight, let it be exactly what it is.
A man who knows every reason to remain careful telling the woman he loves that caution has never changed his heart.
Ryan
I set the pen down.
The apartment has gone quiet around me, and the city glows beyond the windows. My reflection hangs faintly against the glass, seated at a table covered in every piece of my life I have chosen to send her.
I read the letter twice.
The first time, I correct a sentence.
The second time, I leave everything exposed.
By morning, the jersey, sculpture, pictures, and letter are packed inside a box large enough for the doorman to ask whether I am relocating.
I ship it before practice.
Charm’s response arrives five days later.
The package waits outside my apartment when Briggs and I return from the facility. Her handwriting covers the label, and several gold crystal stickers decorate one corner.
Briggs points toward them. “Those appear serious.”
“Go home.”
“You may require emotional support.”
“I require privacy.”
“What if she sent food?”
“She didn’t send you anything.”
He presses one hand against his chest. “After everything I contributed to your relationship?”
“You insulted her pizza.”
“I questioned one ingredient.”
“You’re dead to her.”
He remains in the hallway until I pick up the package.
“Leave.”
“Text me if there is nudity.”
I unlock my door. “I will never do that.”
“I’m trying to support both of you.”
The door closes on his grin.
