Set the Record Straight

by Hannah Bonam-Young

One of the many cool things about working alongside kids with disabilities is unlearning years of false assumptions. So often they’re being judged, pitied, or granted condescending sympathy by the masses. But in reality, they’re the ones who know when to talk shit and when to mind their business. When someone’s hurting and needs an extra-long hug. When to joke and when not to.

Clara was special. Is special. She’s a mosaic of a person. So many differing, unique elements that create one perfect thing. A little chaotic and a whole lot of mess involved—but beautiful all the same.

She’s not a closed-off person. More like a cavern you can only explore on low tide.

I’d go full Carrie Underwood. A Louisville slugger to both headlights.” “Not the full Carrie,” Evan mutters, digging into her risotto and smiling to herself. “I’d make Carrie look tame for you, Ev.” I wink,

This was all supposed to be pretend. But has any first kiss ever felt like that? Any kiss? Not for me.

“I’m not sure what’s going on with me,” she whispers. “But I think I like it.” “Kissing girls?” “Kissing you,”

“This doesn’t feel nearly as strange as it should, right? I’ve never really wanted this before,” her laugh is half a sigh, “but this… this feels so…” “Easy?” I offer. “I was going to go with exhilarating, but sure.”

Evan loves my tits a lot, and I’m actually quite good at eating out women. Ev told me I have a natural gift. I was pretty content with that review.

“Loretta,” I choke through a laugh, “I think it’s time I set the record straight…”

But I think there may be hundreds of kinds. Love like a new lease on life. Love like a place to exist freely. Love like being understood. Love like the contented quiet. Love like freshly baked cookies. Love like a thin veil between wishing it’d started earlier and loving the way it began.”

Honey, it’s not a video call! She can’t see your nodding—be approving out loud!

My mother is perfectly plump. Therefore, her hugs are like heaven.