Girlfriends from years ago inform me of their happy news. One is married, and has been for the past 18 months. Another tells me she's currently with one she knew since high school.

I hear their news. I rejoice with them. But my heart weeps for what might have been, for a moment. For a little while, I'm bleeding from inside. For a moment, I can't bear to go on.

Then, I am bathed in warm sunlight. I draw a deep, cleansing breath, and I go on. After a while, I smile. I laugh.

I forget.

I go on.