A true friend never asks you to feed their imaginary fish. Or fertilize their imaginary crops.

You asked me once if I would still love you when your lips were puckered with age and your eyes were faded. I can assure you that I will still love you when I have only the strength (and the scant teeth) left to gum those puckered lips. I shall love you when your bones are sharp enough to pierce my fragile flesh. I shall love you when the light in my own eyes fades for good and yours is the last sweet face I see. Because I am and ever shall be.

there are elements of truth in all great fiction

A true friend never asks you to feed their imaginary fish. Or fertilize their imaginary crops.

His lips nuzzled her ear. “Whether you go or stay, I will love you until I die,” he whispered.

Women are delicate creatures. Fragile. Gentle. Made by God to be sheltered from the harshness of this world.. Morgan MacDonnell

As all-consuming as a young girl's fancies were ... a woman's desires could be twice as dangerous.