And not just for how good it feels to be needed, but for how it feels to be needed by someone like Ro. Because I respect Ro; I look up to her, like a role model. She is kind and welcoming, helpful—and there’s no ulterior motive. She’s creative and strong and independent. She’s nothing like me. She doesn’t need other people’s praise to feel like she’s worth something. Doesn’t need pretty words to drown out the echoes of the ugly ones always shouted in my dad’s voice. Ro doesn’t need anyone. But right now, she’s in my arms and I’m the one giving her comfort.
