Chapter 1: Affection

You've spent many nights thinking about how hard you must be to love. And find yourself reminded of this thought throughout the day because everywhere you go, there they are, parents with their kids, smiling, laughing, just enjoying. And your heart makes a weird beat whenever you notice this. It drops a bit and heat rushes through you and then you steady yourself and begin again, "I'm okay... they're lovely.... really.... and I'm okay."