The Little Things.

There are a lot of issues I'm trying to figure out right now, but what I really want to focus on instead is the little moments and the little memories in my life that I look back on and smile about, or feel longing towards. They're my refuge in stormy weather, to use a horribly mangled common saying.

Nature park, September. Kevin gave me his coat because it was cool in the shadow of the trees. We sat in a clearing and held each other close as the forest transformed into a different world. We laughed and talked about things I never expected to vocalize. Kevin gets up, and with a half-uncomfortable, half-understanding smile, reads my thoughts and says "Whoa, we're entering into dangerous territory here." I noticed the details that confirmed that he felt what I felt. We ignored it and wandered through the park, noting every detail that was unnaturally vivid. We sat in the sun, our last summer's day, and looked across the field into the future.

Grandma's house, Christmas. Daniel needed to talk to me. We went onto the back porch and he wrapped me tightly in his arms and apologized for everything he'd done wrong to me. With tenderness, he turned his claddagh over on his finger.

Third street, any given A day lunch. Sitting with Jessica on the bench, legs crossed identically, smoking Camels or Marlboro Smooths and talking about anything and everything. Wandering into Ranch Records to peruse the stacks of vinyl. Waiting in the courthouse, deserted aside from us. Dancing with our friends, singing "Home" at the top of our lungs, holding beers or red plastic cups of wine while Lindsy played a tambourine. Winning our first game of water pong. Laughing as she said "I feel like I have mayonnaise in my mouth. Do you have mayonnaise in your mouth?" Making sure she got to bed and covering her with a blanket, and turning off the lights.

~Marina

"Home is whenever I'm with you."