White Smoke

by Tiffany D. Jackson

Parents have this unique way of reminding you of the ways you’ve disappointed them without spelling it out.

“Yusef, ‘I have anxiety’ is a full and complete statement. I don’t have to explain the what and why to you!”

“Truth is, the ground is spoiled here, always has been.” He looks at me. “And you can’t grow where you’re not wanted.”

Junkie. The word had such a cruel bone-deep meaning, leaving no room for understanding or compassion. No one knows why I am this way. They’re not even interested in knowing. They just see the surface and that’s enough for them.

Change is good. Change is not always necessary. But the right change is most definitely needed.