it's hard to remember pet names at four in the morning | Teen Ink
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it's hard to remember pet names at four in the morning MAG

February 3, 2012
By Anonymous

I wake,
my jaw aching as if
I've been chewing gum
all night.
It's a phantom pain,
transparent,
something he imprinted on me
over the years.

I feel the emptiness beside me,
hands mapping over
cool sheets
then smile briefly,
sardonically,
wondering why I would
have expected anything else.

I wonder how he is,
and entertain
the possibility that
he's clenching his teeth
hundreds of miles away.
No, that would be too
magical for us.

I take two Advil in
a glass of lukewarm water
and go back to bed.

© Anonymous

The author's comments:
Inspired by the way one of my friends clenches his teeth when he's upset. This is purely fictional, however.
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This article has 3 comments.

Sketched97 PLATINUM said...
on Jun. 25 2013 at 9:39 am
Sketched97 PLATINUM, Silver Spring, Maryland
31 articles 4 photos 167 comments
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Yep, I've done that before. You just send them an email and they will change it for you.
troubled-times GOLD said...
on Feb. 13 2012 at 10:00 am
troubled-times GOLD, Richmond, Virginia
15 articles 0 photos 11 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Talents include talking about the X-Files and picking up dogs.&quot;

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Hey, I'm the author of this piece, and I accidentally checked "Anonymous." Does anyone know how to change this or edit it so that my name shows up? I'd like to be credited.
troubled-times GOLD said...
on Feb. 13 2012 at 10:00 am
troubled-times GOLD, Richmond, Virginia
15 articles 0 photos 11 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Talents include talking about the X-Files and picking up dogs.&quot;

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Hey, I'm the author of this piece, and I accidentally checked "Anonymous." Does anyone know how to change this or edit it so that my name shows up? I'd like to be credited.