Page 114 of The Secret to Belonging

you hear yourself say the words

maybe

we should just be friends

THREE (TRE)

you take the GED

Mrs. Shore mails your diploma

encloses another college brochure with cherry trees

you wonder if the original burned in the fire

along with your closet door and your calendars

and the rest of your grandfather’s albums

your whole perspective on possessions has changed

the entire concept is delusional

possession. possessed. demonic

people can have longings, but not belongings

nothing can belong to someone

earth. air. water. fire

that’s what’s real

life is transience

permanence is myth

you slide your diploma into a file folder

label it ephemera

Rotary-wife Jeanine calls

invites you to a party at the beach

an end-of-exchange celebration

for all the students who’ve just returned

you thank her

decline

there’s only one car

your father has to take your mother to physical therapy

Rotary-wife Jeanine says be sure to bring sunscreen