It was like a whole side of me had to always stay hidden, and because of what? Because people were assholes and bigots? Because my dad who hadn’t spoken to me in months was ashamed and I was trying to win him back by respecting his wishes? Because I thought if I kept trying to talk to him or helping Mama at the house, he would realize how much family meant to me and wouldn’t be hateful anymore? It was exhausting.
