Page 95 of Perfect Guy

Canaan

Canaan: What do you call a man with wings? A wingman

Canaan: What did the elephant say to his owner? I want your nuts

Canaan: They’re terrible. I think they’re my worse so far

Madelyn: They are pretty bad

Canaan: I didn’t know if you’d respond

Madelyn: I’m not going to ignore you

Canaan: I screwed up

Madelyn: You’re struggling

Canaan: I don’t want to. I want to be myself again

Canaan: I miss you

Madelyn: You have to accept that this has changed you. You have to accept this new version of yourself

Canaan: Can you? Accept it?

Madelyn: Yes

Shedoesn’thesitate.She responds with confidence. I wish I could accept myself. I’m working on it. I’ve been struggling, but I’m determined to be my best self for the two of us and our relationship. I meant when I told her yesterday that it’d be the last time I watched her walk out of my house.

Canaan: I’m scared you’ll get tired of me

Madelyn: Tired of you? How?

Canaan: If I continue to have…issues

Madelyn: They’re not issues. They’re symptoms that will reverse themselves

Madelyn: And if you had some for life…I’d be there for you. I’d want to. I’d help you and hold your hand and hug you when it became too frustrating but

Canaan: But?

Madelyn: You didn’t give me the chance and that hurt so much

Canaan: Because I didn’t want you to feel enslaved to taking care of me. I thought it was best for you

Madelyn: You thought wrong

Canaan: I know

A knock at my door interrupts our text conversation. I stand and check who it is before opening it.

“Hi, sweetie.” My mom kisses my cheek.

“Hi.” I smile over at her and hug my dad, who enters behind her.

“Hey, son. How are you feeling?” His eyes roam my body.

“I’m better.” I close the door behind them and follow them to my living room. I’ve been feeling stronger physically and mentally, which is a blessing.