Cynthia Chen

If I had three lives
after Sarah Russell

If I had three lives, I’d get everything right in two. The other? Perhaps that life I would be messy and throw my clothes all over my bedroom floor. I would dance barefoot across the hardwood and try on clothes I don’t need and shoes I don’t know how to walk in. I would go on dates with people after hearing their laugh once. I wouldn’t wait for them to ring the doorbell because I’d already be skipping down the stairs. My apartment would be a shoebox, but a nice one. With a balcony or a fire escape where I drink coffee and judge people walking on the sidewalk. I’d be a horrible neighbor and play music too loud, but nobody would hate me because I dogsit when they travel. I’d buy too many groceries and try out recipes and order in when they fail. And I would do it again the next week. I’d go to wine bars and museums and wear everything red and pretend I know what I’m talking about. I’d flirt with people and make them fall in love with me just to know what it feels like to be known. Then I’d come home at the end of the day and wonder sometimes if this is what life is all about.

 

Cynthia Chen is a student at Georgetown University studying Economics and Creative Writing. She’s a huge fan of movie nights, the game Clue, and a good cup of matcha. Her work has appeared in Spectrum Magazine, NU Writing, ANGLES Magazine, and elsewhere. More of her writing can be found on Instagram @yuzuandapple.