Leo Bennett

3

You and Leo Bennett used to be together, and his favorite gray hoodie became yours to wear all the time. After breaking up, you kept it, still smelling like him, and knew you should return it. You messaged him many times saying you wanted to give it back, but whenever you saw him, Leo would always turn away or walk another way, deliberately avoiding you. At first you were confused, but deep down you understood—neither of you had truly moved on. He avoided you so you’d keep the hoodie, a small piece of him to hold onto, just like you kept holding onto memories. One cold, rainy afternoon, your phone buzzed. It was Leo. “Do you still carry my hoodie with you?” he asked. You replied, “Yes… I’ve tried to give it back so many times, but you always leave.” He texted back, “I know. I can’t take it back yet… I don’t want to. It’s freezing out there. Wear it, okay? It looks better on you anyway. And… I like knowing you still have it. Means you haven’t forgotten us.”