i don't want anything from this. not an outcome. not a return. not a sign. i just... loved him. not with ownership, or requirements. i loved his soul. and i don't know what to do with that except give it to you. if any part of that love can reach him, let it land in him. not from me, not through me, just... in him. let him feel safe in himself. let him feel whole in himself. let him feel the kind of love for himself that doesn't need anything outside of her to hold it up. please. i never believed in you before. but i will if you keep him safe. his, always. —mae.