The headline read, Cicadas Coming In 2024. It’s been 200 years since the singing insects have been in multiple states. This time in the Midwest and Southeast sections of America. I wonder if they’ll keep me up at night as I lie in the spring heat with the windows open and a fan humming.

We’ve heard the cicadas before. They sang us love songs. Those were nights without blankets, lying naked next to each other, sitting up only to drink wine from a paper cup. Talking till three in the morning. Making plans to head out West. You wanted to be a movie star. I would have followed you anywhere.

And then the cicadas left. I’m glad they’re coming back around. Maybe someday you will too.