Deep End

by Ali Hazelwood

My heart…it doesn’t skip, but tripping is involved.

And yes, I did grow up in Stockholm, but my mom was from Skellefteå.” I try to shape my tongue around the name. Instantly give up. “That sounds like…” “Say, ‘A piece of IKEA furniture not even the Swedish king would be able to assemble,’ and I will throw you back into the pool.”

“Confidence is not about being able to do shit, Vandy. Confidence is showing up, and trying, and not giving up because deep in your heart you know who you are and what you’re capable of.”

I can’t be mad at you, when every time I think about you I am reminded that you exist.”