THE LOVER

Previously

…My most prized possession, besides Leo himself, was my collection of shiny pebbles. I’d spend hours in the sandbox, meticulously sifting through the grit, my fingers searching for those little glints of mica or quartz. I didn’t keep them in my pocket for long. Oh no. They were destined for Leo. I’d sneak them into his toy truck when he wasn’t looking, or tuck them into the pocket of his little blue jacket. He probably never even noticed them, but that didn’t matter. It was the thought, the secret offering, that made my