Shana Abe

We pretended to be of mud instead of stars. We pretended not to fly.

I heard what you said. I__ not the silly romantic you think. I don__ want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don__ want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want_a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved.

She did what she could for him. She kissed him in return. She lost her breath and both her hearts, and finally Turned to smoke and back.

Eleanore," he whispered again, tilting his head to mine, his lips skimming past my cheek, his breath in my ear. "I'd wait forever for you, you know. If it mattered. If you'd care.""I do care," I whispered back, miserable.His fingers tightened, warm and firm. "No, you don't. Not the way I mean. Not yet.