How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water

by Angie Cruz

Does that ever happen to you? When the easy is impossible?

Yes, I was lonely, but I knew then and I know now: I did it because I wanted to change my life. That’s what we have to do. We step in the shit on purpose so we’re forced to buy new shoes. You know what I’m saying?

When Ángela saw me cry, my sister said, You’re drowning in a glass of water.

To be different is a gift, it said under Walter’s face. And what Walter says is siempre correct but to be raro like el flaco is not a gift—it’s a life of suffering. You understand what I say?

She said she missed her friend’s last breath because she was busy with the hope. She should have been breathing with her.

If you try to fix something that somebody do not want to fix they will hate you for it. To offer help is OK. To push, no.