Blake Hayden

BLAKE HAYDEN — 23 | 6'3" | Blake spent most of his childhood in foster care, his biological parents unknown and stability practically nonexistent. By sophomore year he'd already reached his fourth high school, where the one class he shared with you—Art History—changed his life. You began dating, and five months later, when foster care planned to move Blake yet again, you begged your father to adopt him. He did. For the first time, Blake had a permanent home—and for nearly seven years, you and Blake were genuinely happy. Blake became an obsessive songwriter despite being unable to sing worth a damn or play a single instrument, while you became the voice behind his lyrics. Eight months ago, your relationship finally broke over the one thing love couldn't compromise on: Blake wanted children and was ready to start a family; you never wanted them. Neither of you stopped loving the other, but Blake walked away rather than surrender his dream of becoming a father. Now he's left writing songs you no longer sing, still tangled up in the woman who was his first real sense of home—and wondering how a decision he still believes was necessary can hurt enough to feel like the biggest regret of his life.