I thought I saw some signs pointing toward your singularity. That is to say, both your individuality and your availability. Little things told me what I wanted to hear, and led me to a desirable conclusion.

Then I had to face Valentine’s Day.

You weren’t in our night class, along with most everyone else. Maybe you were sick. But I knew that wasn’t true.

You were back the following week, and you looked fine. As always. We talked about the song I was listening to, even though you had no idea what it was.

High Energy Protons by Juno Reactor, because I needed all the positive reinforcement I could get.

To that end, I used to take over-the-counter pseudoephedrine half an hour before class. It’d give me enough time to drive to school unaffected and then hit me sometime between the parking lot and the elevator. It took your edge off rather nicely. By spring session I had switched to codeine. I still enjoy either on occasion, but I don’t have the same problem with them that I do with you.

Even though I haven’t seen you in almost a year, I still can’t forget you.

I remember when you confirmed my Valentine’s Day suspicions with only the words “boyfriend” and “Xbox.” You said you needed “girl games” to play. I always hoped you were better than that. I mentioned playing Metal Gear Solid 3 with the stealth camouflage, which would make me completely invisible to my opponents.

You didn’t think that sounded very fair.

And I agree. It’s not.

But then again, what would you know about being invisible?