When Never Comes

by Barbara Davis

Words are her thing. She likes the way they feel, the way they taste.

“I don’t believe in never, and neither should you.” A tiny V appeared between Christy-Lynn’s brows. “How can you not believe in never? It’s just a word.” “No,” Missy said firmly. “It isn’t. It’s all the doors we keep shut. It’s the places we won’t let ourselves go, the things we won’t let ourselves have or be, because we don’t think we’re good enough or strong enough for more. I know because that used to be me. And then I became a single parent, and I realized I didn’t have time for nevers.” She paused, her smile thin and tremulous. “All I’m saying is don’t live a smaller life than you deserve.”