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“There’s no need to psychoanalyze me, Brett.”
“I’m trying to get to the truth.”
“I just want to slow things down,” I say. “I need a break.”
“A break or a breakup?”
“Both right now.”
“Jesus Christ, Genevieve.” He shakes his head. “Is there someone else?”
I shake my head.
“Is there?” He narrows his eyes. “Are you cheating on me?”
“I just need us to slow down,” I say. “Between the intensive and everything that comes with dating you, I…”
He tilts my chin up with his fingertips, looking deep into my eyes.
“I don’t want to fight with you, Brett,” I say. “I just need some time to think.”
He sighs and pulls me close, pressing a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll still call you when I land in Japan.”
“Will you also send pictures?”
“Of course.”
I watch him check in and make his way through security before hailing a taxi.
I cry all the way home.
2
Five Days Later
My apartment feels unfamiliar without Brett’s daily delivery of flowers. I’ve noticed small things I’ve taken for granted. The coffee maker set to the exact flavor and size I like, the slippers waiting near the edge of the bed, the reconfigured remote that opens and closes the blinds on a schedule.
“Thinking of you.” I draft a text. “I miss you.”
I stare at the words, but I can’t send them. I can’t be trusted to make any decisions right now.
I roll out of bed and walk into my kitchen.
A knock sounds at the door.
“Coming!” I tie my robe and pull the door open.
“Genevieve Edwards?” A UPS driver holds out a shiny purple box.
“That’s me.
“Can you sign for this, please?”
I scribble on his pad before taking it inside.
There’s no return address, so I tear it open.
It’s a small bonsai tree from Brett with a note.
