there’s the set of highlighters

funny how a set of highlighters have burrowed their way

into the section of her brain

labeled “relevant”

yet here are the highlighters

pink orange green

and everything in between

they were his favorite thing to steal

and valiantly attempt 

to copy her immaculate chemistry notes with

oh you can’t forget those highlighters

that endured angry abuse

during late night cramming sessions 

worn down and loved 

by the two lovers sharing them

        and yes there is the camera — a Polaroid 

he got it for her, you know

pale dainty eggshell yellow

the color of muted sunshine

he knew it would be perfect

and it was, definitely

because it faithfully captured all their memories 

through the sunny and stormy

the high school dances

fast food photo shoots

candid smiles over store bought cookies

birthday celebrations complete with balloons

it really was faithful, don’t you think

maybe even more faithful than he was

        see that? there’s her oversized hoodie

well technically it isn’t hers

she took it from him

when she was cold

and he was her warmth

because she needed that warmth

needed his love

how convenient he had exactly those two things!

but now she doesn’t want to return it

and face the boy who took something of hers in return

trade for a trade

but a sweatshirt isn’t worthy of a heart

        and finally there’s the unused perfume bottle

she bought it in a set of two

so the harmony of vanilla and roses

would caress her

and envelope him

and define them

until citrus and berries 

passionflowers with a punch 

and lavender spices

masked the defining scents

of her sweetness and love

        her thoughts are interrupted 

by a cheery voice from above

“how much?”

her gaze travels from the smiling young mother

to the little girl clutching a fluffy teddy

her teddy

their teddy

a sad smile traces her lips

it really is hard to let go

“no charge