The Other Side

by Kim Holden

Thank you for not leaving us tonight. We need you in the world because you make it a better place.”

“Thanks for coming. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Toby.”

It’s more than an embrace—it’s apologies for the past and promises for the future. It’s solace, and safety, and reassurance, and friendship, and want, and need, and acceptance, and forgiveness. It’s contentment. It’s love.

You’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to know everything about…I need more time with you.”

There will never be another Toby Page.”

It’s not about loving them when it’s easy and convenient; it’s about loving them even more when it’s hard.”

“That’s the day I fell in love with you.”

“Listen, I know we don’t know each other very well, but sometimes those are the best people to talk to. I’ve done a lot of shit I regret, and I have no room to judge anyone’s struggles. I’m here if you need an ear.”

I’m eighteen years old and this is the first cake I’ve ever had that was mine, name written on it or not.

We’re so alike, it’s not even funny.

“Thank you. It mattered. And it was enough, I didn’t need new.”

I stand and paint a period behind am instead. And I leave it at that. Because maybe I don’t need a declaration. Maybe just existing today is enough. I’m here. I am.

“Goodbye, Toby. I love you, too.”

“I love you, too, Mom,”

I think that’s why he fills this house with people who need help. It’s like he’s trying to redeem himself.”

It’s owning it all, the triumphs and the struggles, the things you like and the things you want to change, because they all make you who you are. We’re all a work in progress—hell, no one knows that better than me. Every day is new. Every day delivers a new challenge. But saying, ‘Fuck it, I am,’ feels good.

“The girl who sees the stars despite the clouds taught me to do the same. And it changed everything.”

I look for the bright side in every situation.