Young love never lasts, that’s what everyone told you after Rafe broke up with you. When you’re young they assume you know nothing. But you knew Rafe. You knew the way he looked when the two of you had drunkenly danced under street lights, how he looked the first time he’d kissed you; like he couldn’t quite believe that you were real.

As you sat on your couch, your cardigan wrapped around you, you couldn’t help the thoughts that drifted back to your days with Rafe. Because no matter how much it hurt that you weren’t his anymore, you wouldn’t take back your time together.

Your friends always asked if you hated him. Because that’s what you’re supposed to do when the guy you love chases you and another girl. When he inevitably loses you. When all the kisses in cars, the nights in downtown bars all amounted to nothing, you were supposed to move on. Your heart just hadn’t gotten the message.

you drew stars around my scars, but now I’m bleeding

Your doorbell rings, startling you from your thoughts of the past. You get up from the couch, tugging your cardigan closer as you pull the door open. And there he is. Standing in your front porch light, Rafe

I knew you’d miss me once the moment died

“Rafe” you say softly, as you stare up at him. He leans against the door frame, taking up most of the frame, holding your favourite pink peonies. He looked like he had stepped right out of one of your fantasies. Eyes all full of regret and longing.

“Can I come in?” He asks his voice gruff, running a hand over his five o’clock shadow as he waits for your answer; those sad, longing eyes pulling at your heartstrings.