More Happy Than Not

by Adam Silvera

“Faith is just arrogance disguised by God,”

From the shapes cast by the green paper lantern, you would never know that there were two boys sitting closely to one another trying to find themselves. You would only see shadows hugging, indiscriminate.

I hear the door lock and I cry harder than I ever have in my entire life because I can’t change the way I am, not as fast and as easily as my father just stopped being Dad.

The hated and hateful aren’t exactly a popular crowd.

He loves me without being in love with me and that’s all I can ask of him. I don’t even need to hear him say it to believe it.

I’m telling you because we’re alike.” I don’t know how Jordan harmed himself, but I’m happy he survived. “Alike how?” I ask. “Love was trying to kill us, Soto.”