You Know What You Did

by K.T. Nguyen

Now, Annie’s clean world is closing in on her. Hunched over, knees curled up to her chest, paralyzed on the middle of the mattress.

The bonds that once kept you tethered, safe. Later they can strangle you. That was how Dr. Patel described the ties between mothers and daughters.

It’s astounding what the brain can do to protect you from harm, especially when you have no control over what’s happening. Especially when you’ve been displaced by bloody wars you’re too young to understand.