There’s a Rita’s in the shopping center across the street from my new apartment. I stopped over to hit the grocery store for some toiletries, and saw the people lined up outside the window – looking for water ice and custard. As I walked out from the grocery store, I stopped for a moment and admired them all – smiling, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company on one of the most gorgeous evenings we’ve had all year. It wasn’t depressing, it was honestly uplifting – watching so many people so happy.

The sun was going down and I was just far enough away that I couldn’t hear their voices – instead I was treated to the sparrows and robins in the trees around the grocery store, fiercely singing the sun to bed; the world to sleep. A breeze kicked up and reminded me where I was and that I should probably head back, but to tell you the truth? I could have lived in that moment forever.

Which is to say I was acutely aware of it, and now I fight to not be attached to its perfection.