The lure of the cold, windy night draws me outside for a breath of fresh air. My silhouette is cast on the street as I ride a bicycle—something I haven’t done for a very long time now. I step on the brake as soon as I see the moon, its full and majestic presence triggering memories of him.
Two men walk past me, holding hands together, and they seem so in love. Witnessing their openness and pride warms my heart, sparking a glimmer of hope that one day I’ll have a partner of my own too, though it won’t be Ruin.
People aren’t as scared of COVID now. The town square is bustling, with traffic on the roads. I park my bicycle by a streetlamp near the café I’m heading to. I order a hot coffee so I can unwind outside.
Clutching the paper cup of coffee, I step out of the café and lean against the
