Inspired by “Notebook Fragments” by Ocean Vuong
Older boys will kill you, mother said. I believed her.
Today I met an older boy. I’m terrified of the man I love, even though he’s the only one who believes me.
Close the door, daddy said. Turn off the lights, daddy said. You’re wasting electricity, daddy said. You’re wasting money, wasting water, wasting space, daddy said.
Listen to your dad, mommy said. You know you’re his jewel, his princess, right? Mommy said.
Note to self: The people who are killing you are also caring for you.
