I knew it was over when I woke up and saw him sitting at the table in candle-light smoking a cigarette alone and silent, again. Why be there instead of touching me? Why so distant in that world of darkness and the past? He was so handsome with long brown hair, pale skin, lean body…but so filled with blood and shadows. He told me all he wanted was light and love…but I wondered then if it was true. I remember falling asleep staring at the LED red numbers of the time on the alarm clock: 3:16 a.m.

—Destiny

Aftermath: A few weeks later we parted dramatically. It was like raking knives through my heart, but I knew he was never really mine. Whoever or whatever he loved, it was not me.

1

She bought a gift for herself and pretended it was from me. She also heated her salads in the microwave.

—Wolfman

Aftermath: We dated only about a month. The gift was a bracelet that said, “Love.”

20

I realized that only thing I’d miss about him was the ribs he’d make.

—Marla

Aftermath: Broke it off about a week later.

18

It was over when he told me about his sword collection. And he made the swords himself.

—Natahley

Aftermath: He would randomly try to contact me nine years later. He lives in Alaska now. I sure don’t.

3

When winter rolled around, I saw his hideous leather jacket.

—Amanda

Aftermath: I stuck it out for a couple more months, but when my grandmother passed away and he was indifferent, that was the end.

3