The [Un]Popular Vote

by Jasper Sanchez

I whirl around and wrap my arms around her. “Thank you,” I whisper, struggling to imbue the words with everything I should’ve told her months ago. “Not just for this, but for all of it. For taking my side, for choosing me, for never doubting—” “Honey,” Mom murmurs, “you don’t need to thank me for any of that.”