I actually did stumble onto her on fb a few years ago when she liked a post of a mutual friend. I agonized for a few days before going for it. She didn’t reply to my friend request. I waited a few weeks, and then in a fit of frustration, I messaged her. “I understand if you never want to speak to me again after this,”…

The house where I grew up was pretty new - way newer than any of the other houses on the block. A typical one-story ranch house that you might see in any stretch of American suburbia. Likewise, all the furniture in the house was pretty par for the course. My room had a little-kid bed, a nightstand, a table and chairs…

I run often, on trails when I can, especially during our deep South summers, where any shade is a blessing. I usually run with our two huskies, who look like wolves and who I consider to be a pretty damn good deterrent to anyone who might bother me when we’re out.