Page 5 of The Secret to Belonging

and the long, tense conversations

about refinancing the house (again)

to pay for rehab (again)

no one pays attention

to the invisible child

the problem child has to come first

has to

life or death, and all that

invisibility has its pros and cons

pro #1: expectations are very low

pro #2: everyone leaves you alone

pro #3: you can do whatever you want

con #1: expectations are very low

con #2: everyone leaves you alone

con #3: you can do whatever you want

there is only so much money/time/energy/(love) to go around

(we’re exhausted)

they love you

(we do!)

they’re sorry

(we are!)

your brother needs them

(needs us more)

they’re so proud of you

(thank you for meeting our low expectations)

they love you

(thank you for not needing us)

there is a cupboard in your chest

behind your breasts

between your ribs