I swear I heard him call my name today. I was remembering as I walked over the brick walkway, how hundreds of times I have gone there. I was thinking about how much I loved it there and how my past and future selves could merge, that maybe somewhere there was a hidden alcove of joy in me. I clung to it as I walked, the first I have felt in so long. I could sense that spring was coming and I wanted to fall on my knees and weep at the beauty of it. This long sad winter can end, it must end as all seasons do. I have been gathering my strength in being alone with my sadness, it has been so good for me. I do not have to answer to anyone, be anything for anyone, just go to work come home and do what I feel like doing. So I walked and remembered, for a second I thought I heard him, so I turned but no one was there.