The Pale-Faced Lie

by David Crow

But I couldn’t deny that some of Dad’s love for breaking all the rules had rubbed off on me, along with some of Mom’s sadness.

The truth meant nothing to him unless it reinforced something he already believed.

I feared Dad’s wrath more than I wanted to save Mom.

I was on a mission, constantly looking for ways to cause some mischief, get a few laughs—and ease the sadness I felt all the time.

For the first time, I saw my behavior from someone else’s point of view.

I loved Coach Ford. He always took the high road, and I was proud to be on his team.

“You can’t change your childhood, but you can let it go,” he said.