The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

“But I can’t remember anymore what it’s like to not be happy.”

“You really want me to go to Colorado with you?”
“What have I told you about stupid questions?” he asked. “Yes, I want you to.”

That handsome, wonderful face leaned closer to mine. “How do you not know that you mean the world to me? I haven’t made it clear enough?”
“I don’t know,” I stuttered. “Do you love me?”
His gaze was so intent the entire world seemed to stop. “You tell me. I never stop thinking about you. I worry about you all the time. Every beautiful thing I see reminds me of you. I can’t finish my practices in Colorado without wishing you were around,” he said in a steady tone. “You tell me what I feel.”

Leo because I couldn’t take you. I assumed you wanted to stay with Diana and do your marathon because you didn’t feel the same. I was going to ask you to come with me.”

Did you listen to anything I told you when you finished your run? I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you so much you can’t begin to comprehend how much. I didn’t want to leave you. I kept trying to talk myself out of going. Why do you think I never brought it up?”

iden had hugged me and told me he was proud of me in front of reporters and strangers alike, when he held on to his privacy with both hands.
And it hadn’t been fake.

should have eaten more than the two bananas Aiden had shoved into my hand on the car ride back and the bag of mixed nuts Zac, who had been waiting on a bench after the marathon, shared with me.

sarily just tears of joy. “I’m dying. I need you to get me a Segway. I’m never walking ever again,” I blubbered.
“You’re not dying, and I’m not buying you that,” he said.
“Everything hurts.”
Was he laughing? “I’m sure.”
I realized I didn’t care if he was laughing at my expense. “Can you carry me?”
“You’re insulting me, Van. Of course I can

“I had to come see you,” he continued on.
“You were here, and you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t want to distract you,” that low voice explained, his hand cupping the back of my neck. “I knew you were going to do it.”

His words were low, reassuring, and whispered.
“That’s my girl. That’s my fucking girl.”
“What are you doing here?” I practically bawled into him.
“I missed you.”
“You what?”
His arms tightened around me. “I missed you very much.”