I click on Instagram. A photograph of Seth and Abby flashes, the sun’s gleam nothing compared to those on their faces. Happy two years. Perhaps I shouldn’t have stopped seeing Sean. I swipe. A clip of a red-headed girl cat-walking in a sundress on the beach, Peter’s fourth first date this week. I should save up for braces, pay for a rhinoplasty, stop eating sweets. Would Peter notice me then? Another swipe. Lisa standing in a spotlight, arms raised, grin a little too wide. I wonder how many postgraduate degrees I should apply for. Would they finally make me enough?
Rizza Corella Punsalan writes code to make a living. She writes music and words to feel alive. Find Rizza on Instagram @rizzacorella.