never have i ever

 a short dialogue.

“never have i ever been loved,” she said, “never have i ever experienced reciprocity. never have i ever felt certain of someone else’s emotions, regardless of their words or actions,” she said. 

“that’s not how this game works,” they said. 

“but it’s true,” she said, “i am the lover, not the loved. i am the giver, not the receiver. i am the speaker, not the listener.” 

“you’re bringing us down,” they said.

 “and i have been let down,” she said, “over and over and over and over and over again by the people who captured my heart, but i not theirs.” 

“we’re tired of hearing about this,” they said. a pause. 

“i know,” she said, “as am i.”