This is Where I Leave You

by Jonathan Tropper

You get married to have an ally against your family, and now I’m heading into the trenches alone.

You never know when it will be the last time you’ll see your father, or kiss your wife, or play with your little brother, but there’s always a last time. If you could remember every last time, you’d never stop grieving.

Even under the best of circumstances, there’s just something so damn tragic about growing up.

“You got married right out of college. You’re terrified of being alone. Anything you do now will be motivated by that fear. You have to stop worrying about finding love again. It will come when it comes. Get comfortable with being alone. It will empower you.”