Page 11 of The Secret to Belonging

he would never survive in jail

but this time is different

he’s ready this time. he swears

he’s really going to try

this time is different. he’s turning a corner

he knows what a sacrifice it is for everyone. he knows and he’s sorry and someday he’s going to pay us all back.

he swears

the college fund

they used the college fund

your college fund

the college fund your granddad started for you

the college fund your parents added to every year

they spent your college fund on him

your college fund is

gone

they think they’re facing you

but

when they started talking

you got up and moved and now you’re leaning

on the opposite wall

trying to breathe

but

since you’re invisible

they don’t notice

they keep talking to your empty chair

they are so, so sorry

but we don’t regret it, adds your mother

you know we would do anything for you kids, right? asks your father

and sometimes being a parent means making tough choices and impossible decisions

but we know you’ll find a way. you always do