Autumn is a beautiful but pensive poem that falling leaves recite with great enthusiasm so that the world will remember them as they bid farewell to the world. Welcome to my anthology series. Welcome to EQUINOX.
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It's hard to forget you. It's hard to forget how you changed me.
It's me, KJ...Kennedy Joshua Cohen. But to you, I was just 'Joshua'. I know you remember...I'm in my mid-twenties now and I'm back on our old college campus, sitting on a bench by the campus green waiting for this alumni event to begin.
The trees rustle above me while gold and red leaves sweep across the grass. As I watch them, I notice the small bridge ahead leading to the apartments.
I haven't seen that bridge since...well...I saw you. And the emptiness that ensued followed me like a shadow all these years. I've gotten to know it all too well.
I was taking summer classes during my sophomore year in college and I had just turned 19. Freshman year was a bust and I didn't invest much time in my social life.
Then you came out of nowhere.
Our professor was in the middle of a lecture when a tall man with dark hair and dress shirt walked into the room, followed by you.
It was Professor Peterson, the director of the School of Art & Design. Then, you introduced yourself.
"Hi guys, I'm Jamie. Um, I just got my BFA in Photography and Video and I'm currently applying to grad school for my Master's in Psychology"
You had a bashful smile like you had no idea how beautiful you were.
"We're here to talk about our study abroad program coming up in mid-September. We'll be traveling to France, visiting museums and sites that are significant to the art world", said Professor Peterson.
When you handed me the flyer, you paused and looked at me with those icy blue eyes.
To this day, I wonder if that was the moment you chose me.
--
During the study abroad mixer, you were floating around taking photos for the program website.
There was a group of us gathered in a corner and at some point, you walked up to me.
"So what do you think, Joshua?," you asked.
It took me a second to realize you were speaking to me. I wasn't used to anyone calling me Joshua. I always went by KJ.
"Oh, um, yeah I think the trip sounds amazing, especially the art. I'd love to see Van Gogh's Starry Night," I replied shyly.
"Too bad that painting is in Manhattan", you said coyly.
And with that, you flashed your girl-next-door smile and walked away.
The summer went by and I didn't see you again until the day of the trip.
