I got away as early as I could, but it messed me up more than I realized. She was such an awful person and I inherited some of that.” “No.” The word spills out of my mouth as I pull her into my arms, but she cuts off my argument. “Yes, I did. Since I was a teenager, I’ve focused on trying to be a better person. To be the opposite of her. But she’s in me, like a virus with no cure. My gut reaction is not kindness or compassion or love. I’m not naturally good-hearted the way you are. I’m still learning to be a good person.
