Interesting Facts about Space

by Emily R. Austin

might not word this right,” I say. “Uh. But I have this problem where I worry that I’m a bad person, and that I might hurt people. When I was younger, I was vindictive, and I used people in relationships. I didn’t have a lot of friends when I was a kid and I don’t know if I missed something other people learn, or if I was born with a defect, or if I caught some sort of bug, but I think something is wrong with me. My mom was depressed when I was a kid, and I always sort of attributed it to my dad leaving. I saw with her what people can do to each other, and have always sort of thought it wasn’t worth it. I don’t know if this makes sense, but I’m worried I have a parasite. Like there is something bad in me that is liable to take over. I feel like I am a shell for some weird little bug. I wanted to spare you the risk of exposure to that. Do you get what I mean?” She looks at me for longer than is normal. “Yeah, I get what you mean,” she says. “I really am sorry,” I say. “I forgive you,” she says. “In fact, I’d be open to taking you back, if you grovel a little.” I exhale. “Really?” “Yes.” She smiles. “I love weird little bugs, remember?”