I Came Home From Teaching All Day to Find a Lock on My Own Pantry

he was learning to stop being afraid, learning that love is not the same as compliance, that caring for someone does not require erasing yourself in their favor.

He asked if he could come for coffee. Just the two of us. Somewhere neutral.

I said yes.

We have met four times now. Each one a little less careful than the last. I do not know what we will eventually continue reading …