They Made Lists

They messaged on backlit marginalia, phones dimming as the night grew older. After the fight, they pondered each other, tested their feelings. “I am still the same woman” She wrote. He, drowsy and hung over - “I have a list.” He had listed the many reasons she was so great to be with. He mentioned those reasons to her. “Thank you,” she said preening. I haven’t changed, you have!” He added some negative cons to his list, then some more. The list grew longer. “I’ve made another list.” He told her. She took this as a good sign. “Yes, go on…” A change would be good. He thought but wrote: “I love you just the way you are.” Then he tore up the second list and turned on a p..n video.