This small book contained multitudes. It was a book that could vanish in a clenched fist and yet it seemed almost larger than life with the stories it contained. Hopes, fears, music, sketches, warnings, sadness, and joy. It was all there and it was only half-completed. It was a secret tryst. They would each possess the book until they had written their miniature letter inside it, then hand it off to the other as quietly as they could. It was the other’s turn to fill some pages. Write small. Over time the book became their story. They were creating something together. What would it be when it was finished, when the pages were all filled? Who would get it? Who would write on the last page? No one. It was lost.

————

This hot pizza is hot. It’s hotter than flaming fucking garbage. It’s red and orange and slimy. It scorches the entire first layer of skin off anyone who touches it. How does pizza get so hot without catching fire? Let this thing cool down first. Let’s combine it with a Mexican brew. Don’t have to say the name because we don’t want to advertise anything but it’s a lager especial. Mix it all together! Shove it all in. DINNER.

————

“Okay I have to be honest with you. I’m very new at this. I don’t know what comes next.”

“Comes next?”

“Yes. What are the expectations? I don’t know what the rules are.”

“You are adorable. Are you having a good time?”

“Mmm, yes.”

“Okay. It’s not that late. Let’s find another place to go.”

“Okay.”

“You have a beautiful smile.”

—————

The car peeked past the curb and poked right into the driveway space by a few inches. Just a few inches. That’s okay, right? They’re not going to ticket me for that, will they? They might. We might have to take a short evening walk through the labyrinthine streets of Koreatown right now to make sure there isn’t a white-and-red envelope tucked underneath our windshield wipers. I told myself if I was ever uncertain, I would never risk it. But I was tired and this spot was close to home.

—————

I have to tell you it was nice to see your name appear out of fucking nowhere. At first I didn’t believe my eyes. It was some trick. Too much experience not trusting what I see. I think I read your letter a dozen times before imagining how I could write back. Hi! How are you? I don’t know what else to say but I’ll try rambling. That always works. I remember last time we tried connecting you had an ear infection which prevented us from having a conversation on the phone, and then things faded away. I was fine with that, honestly I was. I think we came together for each other at the right time but we both sensed whatever thing was there between us faded away.

—————

April isn’t great for me unfortunately. And then I’m traveling beginning of May. Sorry.