A Dead Heart Needs No Farewell

The night I failed my tenure review, I bought a roasted sweet potato at the campus back gate.

I took a big bite, scalding my tongue numb, and the tears came right behind it.

I texted my boyfriend, Russell Stephens.

【I'm having a really bad day, but this sweet potato is good.】

Nothing came back.

The failure and the loss had nowhere to go, and I wanted Russell to comfort me, even just one line.

【Are you done with work?】

The screen finally lit up.

【Are you texting me because you want me to pull some strings for you?】