Is that a party, beyond this cute metal gate that keeps me out? I peered through with no shame, because I love gas lamps and they looked so warm. I smell the comfort of butter, the intensity of roux. I see fountains where my coins can live forever. I see benches where mothers nurse coffees instead of toddlers. Come in, they all say. Follow the shining cobblestones to your happiness.

What do you see, when you look into the garden of wishes? I want a lifetime of gumbo with you, and the hugs of our daughters, too. You are my garden, so come stand next to me. We’ll leave our nose prints on the invisible glass doors, drenched with curiosity.

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