dialogue prompts from animal wife: stories by lara ehrlich.
i practice punching every afternoon.
it's my job to take care of you.
you are the best thing in my life.
you can come up, if you want.
it's not polite to point out people's flaws.
do you believe in monsters?
i'll never let my guard down again.
it's alarming how life continues without us.
can i come in? i won't make a sound.
we each carry an ocean inside us.
just kiss and get it over with.
it's cold in your shadow.
you were scared once, too.
want to see a movie tonight?
you think you're too good for us.
i wanted to sit down and run away at the same time.
sometimes i say things just to see what you'll do.
we can't lie. we have to tell.
i'm not sure i want things to change so much. not yet.
you know how to make an impression.
i hate when people tell me to smile.
what did i tell you about webmd?
i think maybe i loved you.
i'm tired of life lessons.
i need a change i can't come back from.
give me a call every few days so i know you're alive.
they don't need to know i'm not coming back.
you deserve to be enough for someone.
deer live at the edges between worlds.
what the hell are you supposed to be?
you always come back to me.
i sleep better in the car.
take some time for yourself.
you were the only one who listened.
we have everything we need right here.
my therapist says seeking reassurance only provides temporary relief, and then the worry just comes back stronger than before.
i don't know why i'm sorry.
no good can come of longing.
happiness has sharp edges.