“What’s up?” I ask finally, and as much as I want to know, I’m also terrified. Because what if her distance is from realizing that I’m too much? I’m teaching her a skill she can use to build a career, and she’s been tasked with helping me be myself. Who needs lessons for that? I shake my head, ready to say never mind and disappear into the shop because at times like this, the way I was raised takes hold of me in the form of depression and shame, and all I want to do is disappear.
