Afraid of Almost Love

‎“Why don’t you let yourself fall in love?” ‎you asked, soft like it was easy. ‎ ‎“Because I’m scared…” ‎my voice was quiet, but heavy. ‎ ‎“Scared of what?” ‎ ‎Not love— ‎not the real kind ‎that stays, ‎that holds, ‎that feels like home. ‎ ‎I’m scared of the kind that pretends. ‎ ‎The kind that feels warm in the beginning, ‎like sunlight on skin— ‎but slowly fades ‎until all that’s left is cold. ‎ ‎I’m scared of being seen ‎as something to win, ‎not someone to cherish.