“Why won’t you tell me about my father?”

“Because the truth is a burden. You’re lucky you don’t remember,” my grandmother says.

“I think I deserve to know where I come from. What if I have family? What if they can tell me important medical information?”

“All I know is you have two brothers and they’re much older than you.”

“Seriously?”

“Don’t ever tell your mother I told you this!”

“Well, what else?”

“Nothing else! If your mother or grandfather knew I was telling you all this they’d blow through the roof!”

“But it’s my life, my story!”

“A burden.”… Read the rest

“Would you rather go bungee jumping or eat a bowl of live crickets?”

“That’s a really hard decision.”

“I know, but I know how afraid of heights and bugs you are.”

“Is this a hypothetical?”

“No. If you want to move to California, you’re paying for it in fear.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m just the twisted fool you fell for.”

“Pretty twisted you want to see me scared.”

“I want to see how far you’ll go to get what you want.”

“I’ll take the leap. If I die, I won’t have to live with you anymore.”

“Very good decision.”… Read the rest

So many people believe in a god or gods who will determine their afterlife.

I had a friend who believed every dead person would rise when Jesus returns.

“How will we all fit? What’ll we eat?”

“There will be plenty for everyone.”

Then the one who believes in reincarnation:

“I met you in this life, and I’ll meet you again.”

That’s what I said as I kissed her forehead before walking away from the last time.

“I love you, Gram, I’ll see you again. I’ll see you again.”

Truth is, I’ll believe in anything not to have to say goodbye.… Read the rest

When she got there, the room was quiet except for the muffled sobs of her family, who were circling her bed as they had been when she left last night.

She’d already said goodbye three times, but still, she wished she’d been there for her the moment she left this earth, to be there to touch her brittle skin and whisper that she loves her.

Her family had left a seat for her, and she took her grandmother’s withered hand and kissed it for the last time.

“You were the best grandmother a kid could ever have. I love you.”… Read the rest

First she stopped listening to him, because that was the hardest for both of them. No more conversations, no more comfort through words.

Then, he stopped touching her. Or, when he touched her, she felt like he didn’t want to be doing it; it felt hollow and made her feel empty.

So, she worked harder at ignoring him.

She worked hard at caring for him less.

She would not let the more loving one be her.

There’s a day coming when she isn’t going to be able to tolerate it anymore, and she’s going to pack her bags and run.… Read the rest