I didn’t mean to break your heart. I held it oh so tight, pressed my fingers together to seal up the gaps like my mother taught me when we drank from the running tap water. Made sure it wouldn’t leak through as it fluttered against my calloused palms. Please don’t get angry at me I clutched it under my shirt on the coldest of winter days, holding it to my chest as I braved the walk from my office to my car. Trying to keep it warm with by breath, my body heat. I fed it and watered it and bathed it in the small plastic bowl I used to bathe my childhood rabbit, stroking the white fur with gentle shaky fingers and childlike admiration in my eyes. I’m sorry, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to let my fingers slip from your hand. Please spare me the indignity I’m trying to patch it together, picking up the chunks of flesh and soul and spirit from the carpet strands. Sewing them together like my home ec teacher tought me, leading the needle through the fabric of fate with messy, chunky, stitches. They’re coming undone, I can’t stop it, I’m sorry, please don’t raise your voice at me, I’m not good with yelling, I never have been, the slightest hint of irritation or disgust or anger in your voice unravels me wholeheartedly. I didn’t mean to break your heart, I promise