Bananapants

by Penny Reid

“Desmond, as someone who loves you and knows you, I want to make sure you hear these words, because I never want you to doubt your own value, or what you bring to the table. You are not less than. You are, and always have been, greater than.”

“It’s all smoke and mirrors and pretending, honey,” she went on. “Everyone is in various stages of falling apart. All the time.” Stepping forward, she cupped my cheeks between her palms, like she used to do when I was little. “Some people are just better than others with their smoke and mirrors, and how often and how well they lie to others. And to themselves.”

In this breath, we were happy and safe and well and together and in love. And no one can ask for more than that.

It’s just a bunch of people loving each other, trying their hardest, and hoping for the best.”