Dear Stranger

Dear Stranger,

I miss you. I know I shouldn’t, but I want to believe I feel this way for a reason. It’s not the things we do that I miss, it’s you. I’ve never felt butterflies like this, so that must mean something right? A butterfly’s lifespan is not very long, though. If there are restrictions keeping the butterfly enclosed for too long, surely it will die in its cage, before being given the chance to fly. Will our butterflies die? I want to be okay with that, just for the sake of my heart. I want to thrive without you, that way I’m okay when we part ways. I don’t want to seem naive and devastated when you’re ready to move on. This is supposed to be lighthearted and fun, but what if you meant those words, “one day.” You say them when you talk about doing things together, and I can’t help but imagine more. I hate feeling alone when we don’t talk. I hate wondering what you’re thinking.

I don’t want my butterflies to get trapped in their cage.