I don’t need to be someone’s everything

I’ve reached the point in my life where I don’t want to be someone’s everything.

I want to be their ease. Their exhale.

The warm mug they reach for, not the caffeine rush.

I want to be the conversation that doesn’t need a conclusion.

Someone to walk beside—not in front of, not behind, not dragging, not pushing.

Just next to. Shoulder-to-shoulder, through whatever weather comes.

I don’t need fireworks. I’d rather be the steady flame someone lights when they get home.