I shattered that memory by going back there. Without realizing it until it was too late, I replaced that memory with the emptiness of that day.

And when someone grows up knowing so little of what real love feels like, whether from family, or friends, or the love of a companion, that person starts to believe that they weren’t meant to be loved, that good things will never happen to them. They start to believe that whenever something good does happen, it’s inevitable that something bad will come along to replace it.

You made me feel real emotions. You unlocked me.

I promise to love you forever in this life and wherever we go in the afterlife, because I know I can't go on in any life unless you're in it too.

My plant is probably dead." Camryn looks slightly surprised. "You have a plant?" I smile. "Yeah, her name's Georgia.

But as I stood there dressed in a cute black pants suit and white button-up shirt and heels, I felt completely out of place. Not necessarily because of the clothes, but…I just don’t belong there. I can’t put my finger on it, but that Monday and the rest of that week when I woke up, got dressed and walked into that store, something was itching the back part of my consciousness. I couldn’t hear the actual words, but it felt like: This is your life, Camryn Bennett. This is your life.

But the heart has a mind of its own and it always gets what it wants, especially when it's dying.