Posts

Showing posts from 2021

Charming Little Mountain Town

You and I escaped the city's chaos for a weekend getaway in this charming little mountain town. The crisp autumn air caressed against my cheek. You held my hand as we strolled down the cobblestone streets. And I felt a warmth that only you could ignite spreading through me.    Then, we found the coziest little café. The sweet aroma of cocoa mingled with the scent of pine needles. As we sipped hot chocolate by a crackling fireplace, I watched your eyes sparkle with joy, and my heart skipped a beat.   Our ascent up the mountain was a test of our physical endurance, but more importantly, it was a testament to our emotional ties. With each step, we climbed higher. And the panoramic view unfolded like a breathtaking masterpiece. The wind whispered of our bliss. I turned to you and smiled. Time seemed to stand still. My gaze lost in the depths of your eyes. Love's tide swelled within me, and in a low voice, "This is perfect." In that moment, I knew that our bond was as vast...

Nascent Love

We sat beneath the ancient oak. Its gnarled branches reaching towards the heavens as if to bless our budding love. A surge of warmth that spread through me was a sensation akin to sunlight warming my soul. My heart now found its twin, illuminating the darkest corners of my being.    Crimson tide that mirrored the fiery passion igniting within me. The way you make me feel is pure magic. And I know everything will be okay.    Your eyes are endless seas, drawing me in eternally. Our kiss is a vow. And in every touch, a flicker of hope flickers. You've painted my world with vibrant hues of love. All that matters now is us, baby. 

Why Challenges Are Actually Good For You

We often hear the phrase "life throws curveballs." It's easy to groan and wish for a smoother, more predictable path. But what if I told you that those curveballs are actually some of the best things that can happen to us?  Think about it. Have you ever truly felt a sense of accomplishment after breezing through something easy? Probably not. My dear, life is not a placid lake reflecting a serene sky. It's a turbulent river; ever-changing, ever-demanding. Its currents may be swift, its waters may be cold, and its rocks may threaten to shatter our fragile boats. Yet, it's precisely within these tumultuous waters that we discover the strength of our own souls. That feeling of finally mastering something that once seemed impossible? Pure magic! Today, I finally conquered that fear of public speaking. I stood before the entire school. My heart was pounding like a drum. And somehow, I did it. My voice trembled at first, but I kept going, sharing my passion for environm...

Walk Home

The last bell rings, signaling the end of another mundane day. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it felt like the world shifted just a little bit. You asked me to walk home with you! I could barely breathe the whole time.   I've always admired you from afar. Every time I see you, I feel a flutter in my chest. Your eyes are deep and bright; steal my soul day and night. I tried so hard not to stare, but it was impossible. I've always been a dreamer, lost in books and fantasies. But now, reality feels more magical than any story I've ever read.   To think, just a few weeks ago, you were an unattainable dream. Now, we savor comfortable moments and even exchange words. Every interaction is a spark, igniting fire within me. It was the most wonderful feeling.    And so we walk. The bustling city fades into the background, replaced by the rhythm of our footsteps and the silent conversation of our hearts. The air between us crackles with delicate tension. Secret smile an...

Here Again

You sit across from me. I can't believe we're here again, facing each other with such tension. It's exhausting. And we just can't seem to communicate properly. You always think you know best. You always think I'm being too sensitive or making a big deal out of nothing. I wish you'd try to understand. Just once. Just try to see things from my perspective. Is that too much to ask? Always tiptoeing around your feelings. As if you expect me to anticipate your every whim. I know we both have our faults, but it feels like you're always the one who's right. Picking me apart, then casting me aside. But I'd perpetually hold onto it. You see only the calm facade I present to the world. You failed to see the storm raging within me. I'm not asking for perfection. I'm not asking for you to change who you are. But I do ask for just a little effort. A little empathy. A little compassion. Is that too much to hope for?  Maybe I should just give up this time.

Empty Inside

You know how they say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? Well, that's a load of rubbish when it comes to heartbreak. It's pretty hard to heal that kind of pain. So, it's best to be nice or just zip it.   ***   To be honest, I haven't really felt like talking to anyone, let alone myself.    Just the sound of your name makes my chest tighten. It's been weeks, maybe even a month, since you said those awful things. "Too sensitive," you scoffed. It still echoes in my head, stinging like a thousand tiny bee stings. As if my feelings were some kind of childish game I was playing. I feel like I'll never be able to shake off that feeling of being broken.    It's not like I was trying to be dramatic. It really did hurt. Like someone had taken a hammer to my heart and just kept on swinging. School is a torture chamber these days. Every hallway, every corner of the cafeteria, reminds me of you. Of us. I catch mysel...

Switch Off

This morning, it felt like my brain was a radio station stuck on static. Every little noise just amplified itself into a cacophony of fear. I tried to ground myself. The rhythmic tapping of my pencil against the notebook offered a semblance of control. But the fog seemed to grow thicker. Ready to consume me. It's like being trapped in a nightmare where I'm both the dreamer and the terrified figure. I know it's not real, but it feels so damn real. I wish I could just switch off like a light switch. But my mind is relentless.  Each thunderclap echoes in my ears. The simple act of getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain. Every task seems insurmountable, no matter how small. I long for the days when worries were simple, when a bad grade or a fight with a friend was the worst of it, and the joy was effortless. Now, it's this underlying dread that colors everything. I'm tired of feeling tired. Tired of fighting this invisible enemy. The world seems filled with p...

Redemption

My heart's been torn and frayed. Yearning for the calm that had once graced our shores. It bears the scars of your absence. The empty chair at the dinner table and the silence in the house just make me miss you more. How could I have been so blind? I thought I knew you. But I was wrong. So very wrong.   Honey, I ache to see you smile again. I want to mend the broken pieces. I remember the day you left. You were lost, and I was powerless to help. I've spent countless nights awake, worrying and hoping for a miracle.   Now you're finally back after all those years. And I'm so overjoyed to have you home. I know you've been through so much. But I also feel a resentment that I try to suppress. You've caused so much pain. Not just to yourself, but to all of us.    You sit there. I try to offer comfort and show you that I still love you despite everything. But you pull away. Your eyes filled with the pain that mirrored my own. It's like a barrier I can't seem to...

Defy the Rules

The sterile white room pressed in on me. Each breath is a gasp against the suffocating silence. They called it a place of promise where destiny awaited, laid out like a decadent feast. But the air tasted more of fear than of fortune.    People screaming, shoving, tears streaming down faces. Everyone desperate, grasping for something to give them an edge. I felt a tremor of defiance. To succumb to the chaos... To let the fear dictate my actions...   The world splintered. A kaleidoscope of colors washed over me. It still feels surreal. One minute I was just a normal girl, worried about my upcoming exams and whether or not I'd finally convince Mom to let me dye my hair. And the next I could bend reality. I could mend the broken and dance with the very essence of time. It was exhilarating, terrifying, and utterly intoxicating.    I can't explain it to anyone. They'd think I was crazy. Or they'd probably lock me up. But what does it all mean? What am I supposed to do...

Explosion

You don't see me. Not really. You see a critic woman who's always trying to fix you. But all I want is to love you and to be loved by you. I long for your touch, your smile, and your gentle words. Instead, I'm met with your cold silence or sharp retorts.   Every careless comment, every forgotten promise—it all chips away at my self-esteem. I'm constantly walking on eggshells, never knowing when the next explosion will occur.   Why does it always have to be like this? I pour my heart into you. Every ounce of love and care I possess. Yet, it's never enough. You see my efforts as suffocating and my concerns as nagging. Is it too much to ask for a little understanding?   My soul attempts to take flight, but the weight of your apathy keeps it grounded. It's exhausting, soul-crushing. I'm tired of being the strong one, the one who always picks up the pieces. I wish I could just disappear. Fade into the background and become invisible.   Maybe distance will heal th...

Hold the Key

I woke up feeling a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. Yesterday, we felt so sure of each other. We seemed so perfect. But now, as I lay in bed, a chill wind whispers through my thoughts. Questioning the path I've chosen. I can't shake the feeling that I'm rushing into things. My heart is all aflutter for you. But my mind is urging me to slow down. God, I'm torn. Why is this so hard? I don’t know what to do. Grandma always said, "Trust your gut, child." Well, I've always trusted my gut. But this time it's so confusing. I close my eyes, delving into the quiet depths of my soul. Is this love? Or merely a fleeting infatuation? Am I ready to surrender my heart? Or is it wise to shield it from potential hurt? The answer remains elusive as a wisp of smoke. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Maybe I should just go with the flow. But what if I regret it later? The lingering warmth of your absence still clings to the pillow beside me. This internal conflic...

Monotonous Song

You dragged me to that lovely  convenience store again. I swear, that place gave me such a 90s vibe. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead. Your presence is as cozy as an old sweater. I mean, I like you and all, but sometimes you can be so predictable . We wandered the aisles. I couldn't help but smile. There's something comforting about the simplicity of it all. "What do you want?" you ask, as if I have the answer to life's greatest mysteries. I roll my eyes. Does it really matter? It's all the same. But I play along. I know exactly what you'll pick: those greasy chips and that sugary soda. It’s like you're trapped in a time loop. I tried to suggest something different. Maybe a candy bar or a bottle of water, but you just gave me that look . You know the one that says, “Don’t even try it.”  So, we ended up just grabbing snacks and heading home. It was a monotonous song. But you're content with this. I wanted to do something fun. Maybe go to that ...

Fallen Leaves

The empty seat beside me chilled my soul. I can't stop thinking about us. How could something so beautiful crumble so easily? I tried to be understanding, but my heart aches with a longing I can't shake. I miss the way you looked at me like I was the only person in the world. I wrestled with the question that gnawed at my heart: Had I not been enough? Was my love insufficient to anchor you to my side? The rain outside seems to weep with me. And the memories flood my thoughts, making it difficult to move forward. I know I have to let you go. 'Cause holding on will only hurt me more. So I release the grip on the past, allowing it to drift away like fallen leaves.

See You Again

Image
I'm glad you came. It felt good to see you again. I was sitting here all alone. Glancing at the empty chair across from me. You'd left earlier that day. Harsh words, spoken in anger. How could it all turn so sour? I know I can't hold onto the hurt forever, but the sting of it still lingers.   Then, I heard the doorbell ring. And there you were when I opened the door. Standing on my porch, drenched and miserable. Your eyes held a sincere look of regret. Made it impossible to stay mad.   With a tender touch, I brushed away the ominous dark clouds, revealing the sun that still burned within you. I spoke softly, easing the tempest within your soul. We hugged, and it felt like everything was okay again.    I forgave you. Not because it was easy. But because love demanded it. I saw the vulnerability beneath your bravado and the remorse etched on your face. To deny your forgiveness would be to deny the love that bound us.   I know we all make mistakes. And we have our ...

More Than Lovers

Image
Now I sit here with a million thoughts racing through my mind. A little sigh slips from my mouth. Nothing seems worthy to capture the essence of my feelings.   Would my words find their mark? Or would they dissolve into the ether?    It's like a burst of warmth in the cool night air when you come over to me. Then I realized that love had taken root in my heart, growing stronger with each passing day.   I glanced at my phone. Your name flashed across the screen. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Spilling my heart out, revealing the depths of my affection. It was a daring dance into the unknown.   The tempest that's calmed only by the thought of you. Would you understand? Would you feel the same? I pressed my fingers to my lips, holding my breath.   Darling, we are more than lovers; our souls are entwined, cosmically aligned. Under the quiet hush of falling rain, my heart is filled with sunshine.

Let It Happen

Image
I know I've been acting like a crazy person lately. I'm always accusing you of hiding things from me. I can't help it. I love you so much, and the thought of losing you terrifies me. But I can't believe I let it happen. You're right. I've been so insecure. I've pushed you away with my constant need for reassurance that I've forgotten how to be a good partner. You looked so hurt. I saw the love in your eyes, but also the pain. I can't believe I ruined it. I let my fears get the better of me.  I'm so ashamed of myself. I don't know how to fix this. I just want to go back to the way things were, when we were happy and carefree. But I know that's not possible. I need to change. I need to learn to believe in our love. It won't be easy, but I'm willing to try. I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I'm hopeful that we can rebuild it together.

Meant Nothing

Image
Your words still echo in my mind. You said I was too intense. Is it a crime to feel deeply? To love fiercely? To pour one's soul into another?    All the laughter and tears just meant nothing to you. I feel so alone. I thought I knew love, but I was so wrong. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic. I saw the world through rose-colored glasses, believing in fairy tales. But reality has shattered my illusions, leaving me lost in the wreckage.    I'd bared my soul to you, revealing my innermost thoughts and desires. But you had cast me aside like a broken toy. Your heart is encased in ice. As if you never truly saw me. I'm not sure who I am anymore.    You said I was too much. But wasn't it your touch that ignited this fire within me? Wasn't it your gaze that made me feel alive? And now you extinguish it with a careless flick of your wrist.   Now I sit enveloped in the darkness, grappling with the remnants of my shattered dreams. Every corner of this room h...

Stony Silence

Distant. Withdrawn. Lately, you've been a stranger. Each outstretched hand is met with stony silence that cuts deeper than any physical wound. I miss the way you used to look at me with those warm, loving eyes. Now, there's only a cold emptiness there.  I try to understand. But it doesn't make it easier. It hurts to see you like this. To feel so alone, even when you're right here. I've tried everything. But it feels like I'm talking to a wall that's slowly crumbling, taking our lifeline with it. I just wish you'd let me in. Let me help. Let me be there for you, like you've always been there for me.  Oh, darling, come back to me. My heart aches with every passing day. I just want you back, not this shadow of a man. 

Later

I remember how it used to be. The electric chemistry between us. I keep replaying our last conversation in my head. I can't stop the tears from falling.  You think we can keep going like this. With me always waiting, always hoping, always compromising. I gave you countless chances, but you never seemed to understand. Dismissed my feelings with your careless smile. Always promising a 'later'. Did I expect too much? Now I watch you walk away. And a part of me feels a pang of regret. Never wanted us to end like this. I thought we had that. That we were building something special.

Pour My Love

A day of enchantment is dawning. My heart flutters like a butterfly. I can't believe we've been together for six months already! Time flies when you're having fun. I've been thinking about what would make you happiest. And I think I've got the perfect plan. I envision us lounging under the dappled shade of an ancient oak. Such a feast for the eyes and the soul. A basket overflowing with delights. Cozy blanket and a book of poetry. Like a child on Christmas Eve, I dance through the morning. The elysian elixir that courses through my veins. I pour my love into this masterpiece.  But my heart yearns for more. I long to unveil the celestial wonders with you, darling. So as the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll steal away to that secret spot by the lake, where the stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across the velvet sky. We would lie upon the emerald grass. Our fingers intertwined. Our gazes lost in the infinite expanse. Counting shooting stars. The night sky would be...

Between Us

Image
Darling, can you feel how the soothing waves gently lull us into blissful serenity? Your gaze is so luminous and profound as you draw me close, it holds all the peaceful beauty of the twilight heavens. I feel as if I'm floating, for it's all so wonderfully surreal. You pour your heart out to me. You speak of your dreams and how I fit perfectly into every one of them. The sincerity in your voice is nothing short of pure enchantment, wrapping me in the sweetest warmth. A soft breeze carries the salty kiss of the ocean and tousles my hair. The second you turn to me, the whole world seems to fall silent. You speak of us. This unbreakable bond. I still get goosebumps thinking about how you promised, "Nothing's gonna come between us." It's not fear I feel, but the swirling anticipation of all the countless magical moment we'll share, every step taken with you nestled right beside me. We kiss, touch, and tenderly embrace beneath the starlit dome. I cherish the wa...

Wasted Time

Image
Gentle touch, tender kiss. We were invincible. But now, you've reduced it to ashes. I've sacrificed so much for you to walk away without a second thought. I don't understand. How could you so easily discard the love we built? Did it mean nothing to you? You say you need space, but what about me? Who will fill the void you've left behind? I'm drowning in the sea. And you're the only lifeboat in sight. I wander the rain-soaked streets, feeling lost and alone. The city now appears bleak and desolate. I seek solace in a quaint café, sipping bitter coffee and reliving memories. Who am I without you? Faded hope, wasted time. I grapple with the pain, the longing, and the emptiness that consumes me. I know I can't force you to stay. Because love cannot be caged. It must be free to soar, even if it means flying away from me.

Fateful Day

Image
The way the sun kissed your face as you smiled at me... I could stare at you forever. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have found someone so deeply in love with me.    It's been six months since that fateful day at the coffee shop. And each day with you is a precious gift. I remember the way your eyes lit up when we first spoke. Your kindness washed over me like a gentle rain, soothing my anxious soul. Now, as we hold hands, I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude. You're my safe harbor.   The crisp autumn air filled our senses with the scent of fallen leaves. Those three words echoed in my ears. A confession as old as time yet as fresh as the morning dew. I turned to you, my eyes brimming with tears of joy. My voice barely audible.   I'm grateful for the universe's cosmic joke that brought us together. With every touch, a spark ignites. Flames of passion burning bright.   The moonlit path illuminated our way home, casting an ethereal glow upon our int...

When It Hurts

It's exhausting. This constant dance of love and war. I thought we were getting better. That we were learning to communicate and compromise. But tonight, it all fell apart again.    I don’t understand why we can’t just be. Why do we always have to push each other's buttons? Is it our way of showing affection? Or is it a subconscious desire to hurt? I’m tired of the highs and lows. I’m exhausted from trying to mend the pieces of our broken hearts. Oh, I crave stability. I long for love that's peaceful. But with you, it's always a rollercoaster. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s worth the effort.   Now I sit here, alone with my thoughts. I can’t deny the love I feel for you. It's both exhilarating and devastating.   Maybe one day we’ll find a way to break free from this destructive pattern. Maybe one day, our love will truly conquer all.    Until then, I’ll continue to hope, to dream, and to love. Even when it hurts.

Sweet Dreams of You

The stars aligned, the universe conspired, and I found you. A gentle feather on my skin sent shivers down my spine. Never felt so alive. There was magic in the way you looked at me. It lit up the darkness and made the world seem right, as sweet nectar filled the sky.   Wild and free. We were lost in the moment. Just you and me. Something that felt like destiny. As pure as the driven snow. When we walked down the street, our footsteps echoing in the quiet night.   The soft glow of the disco lights painted the room in a dreamy haze. Your arms around me. Every word felt like a tender caress from a lover's hand. It took my breath away.    Symphony of motion that seems to defy gravity. And the tranquility I've never known before. Our sacred bond leads to sweet dreams of you.

Time Will Tell

Image
It's been years since I last saw you. Years of healing, of moving on, of building a new life. Yet, there you are, standing before me like a ghost from the past. Your presence is as familiar as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the coffee shop.   The wind of ages brushed its hand across you. But beneath the new lines, the familiar fire still flickered. That same radiant spark—the very thing that made my heart first turned to you—blazed as brightly as ever. It's like seeing a piece of myself that I'd lost.   I remember the pain of our breakup—the way you'd shattered my heart into a million fragments. But as I watched you talk to your friend, that agonizing longing crushes me all over again.   My pulse hammered in my ears and a cold sweat slicked my palms when you came over to me. I didn’t know what to say or how to act. But as we started talking, the initial awkwardness began to fade. I told you about my new job and my recent trip to Europe. You talked ab...

Arcade

Image
A thousand battles won and lost. But your voice is all that matters, whatever the cost. Flashing screens or the clang of coins, it's always better with you here. You're my strong center amidst all the beautiful madness. We invariably find our peace in this electric haze. Stepping out into the cool night air, the city lights twinkled around us, painting such a colorful backdrop – just like a scene from our own private movie. And when your arm found its way around my waist, everything simply clicked into place. It always does when you're near. The faint smell of your cigarette and half-empty bottle of cherry wine in my palm. Even the most rugged edges find their grace now. This love might not be a flawless fairytale, and sometimes, it feels intensely complex. We both have this soft little fear tucked away inside that something so incredibly profound might be too delicate to hold onto forever, or perhaps, too sweet to ever last. But it's just another part of beauty, baby. ...

Infectious Laughter

Image
The way the saxophone wailed, and the crowd moved as one. Yet, my gaze found only yours through the velvet curtain of smoke. Across the distance, you stood so commandingly against that wall. And my soul was helplessly captivated by the magnificent artistry of your form. Oh, what a breathtaking vision! There's a burning intensity that consumed my senses. Every fiber of my being cried out. Desperately yearning for the touch of your hand. Your eyes held a profundity that hinted at passions waiting to be unleashed. A delicate hope guided my steps as I softly ventured closer to you. The gentle curve of your lips was a revelation, welcoming me into an eternity. Those hazel pools were sparkling with such genuine warmth that it caught me off guard. I could feel a thrilling current surge through me, awakening the deepest chambers of my soul as our voices met. We spoke of music and the meaning of life. His tone was a zephyr, carrying me away to some place of peace and tranquility. I found my...

Into the Light

Just a few years ago, I used to be so afraid to step into the light. The sunbeams danced on my skin as I sat beneath the old oak tree. It's hard to believe how far I've come. Now, I feel like I'm truly living.   I remember the days when a shadowy figure that lurked in the corners of my mind. Every misstep felt like a world-ending catastrophe. The fear of judgment, of failure, of not being enough. It was a heavy cloak that I carried, weighing me down with its strangling grasp.   But then a miracle occurred. You saw the potential that I couldn't yet discern. "But look at you now," you teased, your eyes sparkling with admiration. A blush warmed my cheeks.   We sat together, and I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for this unflinching friendship, for your gentle nudges, and for your belief in me even when I doubted myself. You've shown me that it's okay to make mistakes.    Today, I'm not afraid to be myself. To embrace my quirks and imperf...

Twisted Game

The constant push and pull, the silent treatments, the hurtful words. I used to see you as my hero. But now, all I see is a man who deliberately makes things difficult for me.   You know exactly what you're doing. You set these impossible hurdles, pushing me to my breaking point just so you can see me crumble. I'm so tired of this sh*t!   The irony of it all is as bitter as unripened fruit. I found myself entangled in your twisted game. You would lay out the pieces. Then, I would find myself drawn into your labyrinthine design.   I'm supposed to write about love, yet I've never truly felt it from you. I've only seen it on the pages of books, on silver screens, in the way couples hold hands. I heard it whispered in countless songs and in the lyrics that paint pictures of affection I could only envy. It's all just a facade.   I guess I could try to fake it. But deep down, I know it wouldn't be genuine. It would be a hollow imitation.   Oh, can love truly exist...

Meaningful Life

One wrong turn, one missed deadline, one bad grade—it could all derail my carefully constructed plans. College applications loom over me like monstrous shadow. My parents mean well. They push me towards careers with "stability." But what if stability means a lifetime of soul-crushing monotony?   The pressure to carve out a meaningful life is unbearable. Everyone seems to have their lives figured out. They're talking about internships at prestigious firms, mapping out their career paths like it's some kind of game. And I'm still adrift like a leaf caught in the current. Unsure where I'm going or even if I'm going in the right direction.   I crave something more than just a paycheck. I dream of far-off lands, bustling cities, and the ocean's endless expanse. I see myself as a writer, spinning tales that transport readers to other worlds. But writing is such a precarious path. No guarantees. No steady income. Just the constant fear of failure.   I long fo...

If I Just Stopped

And it's another performance. I sat there in the cafeteria, listening to Inez go on and on about Mr. Henderson's epic fall. I should've been laughing too, right? I mean, it was pretty funny. But all I could think about was how fake it all feels.   People smile at me in the hallways, want to sit with me at lunch, and even ask for my advice.   But as I walked away, that familiar emptiness settled in. It's like I'm playing a role, constantly adjusting my mask to fit the ever-changing demands of the social scene. I'm tired of pretending. Tired of chasing this elusive "cool girl" image that seems to define everyone around me.    The real me is terrified. Terrified of failing, disappointing everyone, and not being enough. Terrified of what happens if I actually let myself be me.    We're all so busy trying to be something we're not that we're missing out on actually being ourselves. Maybe it's time to ditch the script. Maybe I can actually en...

What I Could Do Differently

The cafeteria lights always seem to hum a little louder than usual. Today, it sounded like a chorus of crickets chirping in my ears. Everyone else seemed to be buzzing with energy, laughing and chatting, while I was picking at my mashed potatoes. Again.    Sabrina was there. Effortlessly cool as always. Her hair was in that perfect messy bun, and she was surrounded by a group of giggling girls. They all seemed so sure of themselves. Like they knew exactly who they were and where they were going.    I felt like a ghost. Invisible. Like I was blending into the background like a bad watercolor painting.    And then, Dave sat down. With his kind eyes and that infectious laugh, he talked about the school play. His face lighting up with enthusiasm. For a moment, I forgot to feel self-conscious. I actually enjoyed talking to him.    Something shifted inside me then. Maybe I could be more like Sabrina. Of course, not by copying her. But by finding my own ...