And we all know about rule 3.

One desolate, lonely teardrop rolls over the bridge of my nose as I lay motionless in a sea of black sheets. A single uncontrolled gasp that usually begins an onslaught of mourning is audible and immediately limited the way an actor rehearses surprise or shock. Emotions I'd locked away for years were once again smothered as quickly as they flourished. As soon as I had awakened, I flatlined once more.

Very subtly, the corner of my mouth molds into a smirk, then a grin, then an outright smile. Somewhere deep within the core that makes a human soul... Something very black has continued growing...

Because rule 1 is to stop caring.

"There's not a thing that I would change...

Because you're amazing, just the way you are."

It's surreal how the rest of the world disappears behind a foggy rear windshield when I've got him on my side. Meanings of words both published and unknown melt together into a soupy mess, making it impossible to even come close to telling him how I feel.

His maturity is astounding. It makes me almost ashamed to admit that I'm human. His handsome gaze both comforts me and sends the butterflies in my stomach churning. I want to hear every story he can stand to tell and be audience to every memory he wants to share.

I crave being by his side like an addiction, but love the moments we spend apart in suspense. Every half-smile, every hair flip, every laugh, nudge and slow blink... I can't get enough of any of it.

Because you're amazing.

Just the way you are.