How Do You Want Me to Love You?

“You’re like a little kid. Once you’ve had your fill of playing outside, you’ll come back to me.” Those were the words my first love once said to me. I even tried to convince myself that love had taught me patience, and that everything happened for the best. But what did all that patience get me? When we reunited after two years apart, did it bring joy, or an even more crushing pain? Did I love the shadow preserved in my memories, or the real person standing before me? Does the truth hidden behind it all even matter anymore? No harem. A soul-crushing story.