paragraph 5

Words tend to confuse and confound, and I made that mistake. Still do. The practice of using too much to express the pull felt under the ribs – an ache to which I attributed too much meaning. So I assigned the flavor and savored the phrase as I inhaled your breath in an effort to remain alive and exhaled with regret –

I love you.

You did not say those three damaging words in return. Nor did you remain in the safety of silence or sanctified hands.

I could.
Not I do, or I did.
But, I could.
You make me want to love you.