The following piece was inspired by an acting exercise in Andrew Grenier’s adult conservatory class:
It was Christmas, and I had bought three stockings: one for me, one for him, and one for the dog. And I was filling them myself. I asked him if he was willing to fill my stocking, and he said the idea of stockings was silly and he probably wouldn’t have the time. It’s a Christmas stocking. You shouldn’t have to fill your own. And I stood there, stuffing the stockings, thinking “This isn’t right,” but, ultimately persevering, because I could fill both stockings, just like I could fill both parts of the relationship. You can only last so long with that mentality. Anyway, he’s gone, he left. And I am still trying to convince myself that I deserve someone who will stuff my stocking, every Christmas. Until its overflowing. Without being asked.