it was the night after I took you to my family reunion and finally reconnected with my grandfather. we were eating dinner together when you brought the fact that you were worried that I was going to turn out like my cousin.

"braelie, look at me," I say, putting your hands in my lap, "nothing is going to change, okay?"

you nod.

"I'm serious. I know that's my family and everything, but you mean so much more to me," I say.