i just expended my last ounce of energy dancing to “don’t go breakin’ my heart” in my parked car, one house down from mine. and then i tripped, twice, on my way to the bathroom. now i am lying in bed, where i can do no more harm. (pretty soon, i’m certain i’ll pass out.)<\/p>\n
that song<\/a> always reminds me of ellen, a name i almost never breathe, especially around my family. i can still see her in the nijmegen<\/a> living room, wearing fly sunglasses and blue velour, and using a broom as a microphone. that was the summer after i graduated high school, the trip i got in lieu of a debut<\/a><\/i>. she inspired me to get a bob haircut. she taught me the value of true friends. she was the big sister i always wanted and never had. and then she and my brother got divorced, and i never saw her again.<\/p>\n still, i have to say that was a pretty amazing summer. it was my first time in europe. before i developed a taste for coffee and an appreciation for van gogh. before i learned to pack light. before i fell in love.<\/p>\n