One year later, "he" comes back. I know I shouldn't feel happy that his position overseas ...

One year later, "he" comes back. I know I shouldn't feel happy that his position overseas didn't work out, but I do. My smile lasted the whole day when the text appeared.

His presence in the apartment feels heavier now. I notice myself noticing him every time I turn a corner. His eyes. His fidgeting. His cologne, which is just how I remember it to be. Dark, subtle, and sweet.

I never used to ask him for anything. When I suddenly ask him to go grocery shopping with me, I surprise myself and cough to turn around and hide my flushed face.

He says okay, and that is our first date. Our first kiss comes a while later, and our first real argument is about a year after that. He starts calling me "my world" and I do the same. There's no reason for me to cry, but when he proposes and I do shed tears, I come to understand this once lonely, wretched heart of mine.