Clarity in Chaos
Somehow, out of billions of people on the planet, Dee and I found each other: two 30-something, semi-closeted women from small towns whose futures had always seemed murky at best. We built a world together. Sometimes, if I arrived home after dark, when the lights were on and the blinds open, I’d see our happy, little universe clearly on display. I’d marvel, again and again, that this was my life. Then Dee got cancer and began living life from a wheelchair. We rebuilt our world, again and again, only this time with ramps. I marvel at it still. — Betsy West
‘The Traveling Passover Pin”
After Grandma died, we divided her jewelry collection, selecting lapis lazuli rings and sculptural brass beauties. When we came across a luminous gold pin depicting two Ancient Egyptians, we immediately thought of Passover: Grandma’s holiday. She reveled in her elegant tablescape, meticulously measuring the tablecloth drape with a ruler. She corrected Grandpa whenever he deviated from the script and led the Hallel prayers with authority. Now, her three granddaughters trade off wearing the “Traveling Passover Pin” each year, remembering our grandmother as we celebrate the complex and joyful holiday of freedom. — Abigail Russo
Safe in Silence
He calls while he’s driving. I always answer enthusiastically, shouting, “Daniel!” before prattling on about the latest medieval theologian I’m reading or a cupcake recipe I’ve embellished. He responds with simple “Hms.” As my chatter quiets, we stay on the phone without speaking. After meeting at a music gig years ago, we tried romantic love but realized ours was a platonic attachment. So we remain on the phone, without words, silently breathing in time and space together. He pulls into his destination and says, “OK, talk to you later.” And I know he will. — Dongmyung Ahn
An Imperfect Picture
We were seated outdoors for dinner in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, when a man approached us. “You two are a beautiful couple!” he exclaimed. “Can I take your picture? I’m a professional photographer.” With high hopes, I handed over my phone. The man called out a slew of instructions, paced in circles to find the perfect angle and finally took the photo. “I hope it works out for you two,” he said as he left. Unlocking my phone, I was presented with the most awkward picture anyone has ever taken. Despite four years together, it did not end up working out. — Caroline Jiang
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