smelling burnt toast after your kids insisted on “dippy eggs and toast in bed”.
2. two college-aged students coming out of a liquor store holding two tall red bottles, smiles purposely small so as not to create suspicion.
3. the red eyes of a young girl walking out to her dad’s car after her first sleepover, dark bags beneath them but a wide grin cutting across her face.
4. a pair of hands, a pair of hearts, no longer nervous to meet and grasping on the first try.
5. a medium black raspberry waffle cone with sprinkles smashed (not merely dropped) to the ground; a footprint is stamped in the middle of the massacre.
6. overheard between your boyfriend and his roommate: "yeah, sometimes she’s just too much, yanno? i have to get away every once in a while."
7. a couple in public; she tries to grab his hand, and he subtly pulls it back. she hugs her arms to herself.
8. a snapchat story of all your friends at your favorite restaurant while you lie in bed, clutching your phone.
9. being held by your mother and feeling her start to shake. two hot droplets hit your scalp. you’re holding her now.
10. a newlywed pair feeding each other the traditional bite of cake. she playfully tries to smear frosting on his cheek, and his eyes harden. her hand shrinks back.
11. a lost cat sign. there is a number to call. none of the strips are taken. the poster is ragged and wet.
12. you are at a funeral. the parents of the deceased are not there; the only attendant is a very old, very wrinkled woman. she does not stop crying the whole ceremony.
13. a girl walking across campus suddenly and without hesitation changes direction at the sight of tall boy headed her way. he doesn’t notice her.