Any version of the truth

It's a natural thing to ask now that I've plunged back into the world of dating: What brings you back to town?

I still don't have a good answer, something to say besides, I got broken. Not broken up with, just broken.

I kept saying it was for a fresh start, I wasn't doing what I set out to do, I wanted to be a big fish in a small pond instead of a small fish in a big pond.

I kind of want to lie. Make up a new story for myself. Pretend.

It's a natural question to ask and I can't fully lie but I sure as hell can't tell the truth: that The Love of My Life left me and I couldn't survive there anymore. I can't lie if I'm actually going to date the person asking the question. But any version of the truth just feels like too much right now.

Sounds like you shouldn't be dating anyone just yet, Heartless.

What do you know, fictitious reader?