She Is a Haunting

by Trang Thanh Tran

“They’ve always wanted a lot I couldn’t give. My parents, I mean. I was always different. Not I’m different from other girls different—the I’m not what my parents expected kind.

Maybe this is how the word crush was invented: hope blossoming wild under the constant threat of being caved in.

“Love you too,” I mumble. Maybe this is why our parents never tell us anymore; it’s too much like saying mud is dirty or the sky is blue.

I still don’t know her well, but like a dream, she’s every girl I ever wanted and was afraid of. They teach us boys want and girls are the ones who are wanted, but what about people like me? Quietly burning in want and to be wanted.