Mara

   The next morning, Sophie met her best friend mara at the river walk. Mara had known her since high school- since the funeral, since the diagnosis, since the way Sophie learned to survive by feeling everything at once.

   "You look wrecked," Mara said gently.

   Sophie laughed too hard. "I'm fine"

   Mara didn't buy it.

   They sat on a bench, watching water drag leaves downstream. 

   "I'm scared he'll leave" Sophie admitted.

    "I always feel like I'm about to be abandoned"

   Mara nudged her shoulder, "You're allowed to need people, you're just learning how to need them without hurting yourself."

   Sophie looked away "I don't know how"

   Mara smiled softly "then keep learning."

Reviews

[Yellow Submarine.]

Thank God she has Mara, otherwise loneliness could swallow her whole.