Hi, Shannon!
Back at campus, and it feels so good!
Can I keep writing you, even though I’ll be seeing you every day, or nearly?
See, I just got into the habit of it, and it feels good. I mean, talking is one thing–and it’s great, especially when you tell me stories. And writing, it scratches a whole nother itch.
I hope you write me, too. I love your letters, even when they’re just one word missives, like “Iconoclast!”
I heard my phone ring as soon as I arrived at the dorm. I knew it was you. ❤
It felt so great to say, “Yeah! I’m here!” And your voice sounded different, closer, since you were just calling from across campus, not from worlds away.
After orientation, when I called you again to see if you wanted to meet up at the café, I felt a rush of anticipation. To see your face again! I guess you know I missed you. I’d missed you for so long from home that now that I was here, and about to see you in a few minutes, all the missing-you rushed out and in its place was… sparkles.
When I hung up, I wondered, “Are you excited to see me, too?”
Your voice sounded pretty casual.
It was so great to see you. Something in my throat always catches when I look at you. You’re just so awesome.
We didn’t have much to say.
“Hey there, you,” you said. “Seems natural to have you here.”
Was that your way of saying I belong here?
I liked your suggestion of reading together. On a blustery autumn day, with the storm blowing outside, reading together is cosy.
Plus, like you said, they’ve got that incredible collection of botanical journals.
I never realized that acer macrophyllum was a wetland indicator species.
This wasn’t exactly how expected our first afternoon would be. That’s expectations, for ya! It felt comfortable, though. Kinda homey to spend time together, reading, thinking our own thoughts.
You know, I think I’ll do college differently this time. For one thing, my major is in something I’m naturally good at and already skilled in, phys ed. And for another thing, I think maybe I’ll spend time with more people, make more friends. Last time, my whole college experience was painting, going to class, and you. This time, I want to broaden my sphere a bit. That’s why I decided to throw a party tonight. I’m glad you said you’d come.
Just because I’m expanding my circle doesn’t mean I don’t want you in it. The moon and sun share the night sky with the other planets, after all, even if the moon does reflect the sun’s glory.
And you know that I’m hoping to always be…
your moon,
Marigold
Cathy Tea's SimLit Anthology 