[Syla Delaney]

You were literally always there for me. Kind of invisible at first. Just a face I knew and could smile at during the white cinderblock days.
I can't even remember the day we met.
Or how it was we got as close as we are now.
You didn't open up to me at first. Preferring to keep all your scars and open wounds hidden while I wanted to talk about the mundane I found exciting.
While I'd pour out my paper cuts and bandages.
I remember feeling my stomach drop on the nights you laid bare things hurting you.
And I tried to see if I could help.
I tried to see if there was anything I could do while you were willing to drop everything for so much as a bad day I might have had.
I was made of paper, and you steel.
Days came when I knew I was annoying or you weren't in the mood to humor me. Days came when I could see you trying to keep from breaking.
What could break steel, I always wondered. What could possibly be hurting someone as strong as you were?
You were happier with others.
You would act like lovers with your friends.
You would say hello, and over digital whispers tell me all the things hurting you as the people you were closest to fell like flies or bit like mosquitoes.
Not long ago you had a terrible night.
Not long ago you nearly left forever.
I don't know how you managed to stay.
After you told me why I still can't understand how so much could happen to someone like you.
I want to protect you.
I want to hold you for once the way you held me.
I want to take all the poison and fire and nasty words instead.
At least for a little while.
I want to melt instead of you.
You know I'm weaker than paper.
You know I'd burn up or fall to shreds in a simple minute in your place, but please I wish I could help even a little.
I love you, but don't want to be another one like the girl who hurt you so irreparably.
I don't want to use you, and burn you up like fire.
I don't even want to speak, or else risk lying as she did.
I just want to shield you for even a little while.
Let you sleep easy for one evening.
That's how I love you.

[padlock heart]

Oh wow I always love it when you do these things.
The feels man, I nearly cried reading this.

[Syla Delaney]

Thank you.