The Problem with Players (Problem #2)

by Brittainy C. Cherry

The perks of being the youngest child. They seemed to have a lot more freedom with life than the eldest.

People’s hearts didn’t harden by choice. They hardened due to traumatic inflictions of pain caused by others.

“Should I be worried about you, Coach?” “No. I’m the strong one, remember? No one worries about the strong one. The strong one worries about everyone else. We take care of others. We don’t get taken care of.” “I’ll take care of you.”

“Because that’s what you men do—you lie to get what you want. And then a better opportunity comes, and you leave. And then my mind will try to move on while my heart keeps breaking in the silence, wondering why I was never good enough to stay.

It wasn’t fair that mamas could die. Their daughters still needed them so very much, no matter how much we grew up.

“Go where you’re loved, baby girl, and never stay a second longer when the love is removed.”

“Yeah, but baby girl, asking for help doesn’t make you weak. Sometimes asking for help is the strongest thing a person could ever do.”

This book is for all the eldest siblings. The ones who might have felt overlooked, overworked, and overextended. I want you to know I see you, and thank you for all you’ve given to others, but now is the time to give to yourself.