The Worst Best Man

by Mia Sosa

And as women—women of color, more specifically—we simply can’t afford to be perceived in those terms.

A person who doesn’t need passion and sparks to build a lasting relationship.

“A Black woman isn’t justifiably upset, she’s angry. A Latinx person confronts someone, they’re fiery or feisty. I don’t like raising my voice in public, Max. There’s too much baggage associated with it. A woman gets emotional in the workplace, she’s irrational and not fit for leadership. I was fired for being overly emotional in a male-dominated space.”

“Happiness doesn’t feel like enough, Mãe,” I tell her. “Not when I think of the sacrifices you made.” I look at my aunts. “Not when I think of the sacrifices you all made. I should be building on the foundation you gave me. Working harder. Achieving more. Isn’t that what the next generation’s supposed to do?”