“I have people in my life who love me, so I’ll be okay.” I smile at Dad. He reaches for his bandanna and dabs his eyes. I clear my throat to make sure Mom hears my final words. “And I’m learning to love me. The fat on my body never felt as heavy as your words on my heart.” I walk over to her and place in her hands a notebook full of all the ugly words she’s ever said to me. “It’s time for you to carry the weight.”
