tell you what I should have told you long ago. I am sorry. I have spent so many years calling my silence protection that I forgot silence can become another kind of wound.*
My eyes blurred.
*You do have family. His name is Samuel Reed. He is my older brother.*
I had to stop.
Daniel remained silent.
I wiped my face with the heel of my hand and continued.
*When we were children, Samuel was the brave one. He made me laugh when our home felt uncertain. When I left
