Tethered to You

Centauri,

There are days I think I might be insane.
Not in the chemical way.
In the cosmic way—
the kind of madness that comes from being tethered to someone who isn't there.

It’s not like I’m waiting.
It’s not like I think you’ll walk through the door.
It’s just that… I still set out an extra glass.
I still pause before I close the notebook.
I still flinch when the wind sounds like your voice.

You said once that love could either save you or undo you.
I smiled like I didn’t understand.
But I do now.

I’ve been undone by you, Centauri—
and I’d still choose you again.
Even now.
Even from the ashes.

Wherever you are,
please… feel me.

—Castor