Name Not Taken

by Madeleine Henry

Kids are programmed to love their parents, though, and I was no different. I loved her when I understood her, and I kept loving her when I didn’t.

Why is he letting his family pick at my flesh, my mind?

Either way, when one of your parents needs more help than you do, something inside changes.

Some tragedies are so loud they mute everything around them. Joy feels like a betrayal to whoever’s in pain.