Five Brothers

by Penelope Douglas

Everything in life is about power, and it wasn’t that I was taught that I didn’t have any. I learned that men would like me better if I didn’t show it.

All I ever wanted was to love waking up. To be counted on to make someone’s life better.

you just kept rising back up like some kind of hero,” she goes on. “You cunty little bitch.”

“I love you so goddamn much,” I whisper. She leans her head back against my chest. “I suspected.”