It’s been a while that Carley’s stayed at your house. She’s made you laugh, cry, and much more. She stands in the doorway of your living room, like she wants something but won’t ask for it

You wave her in. “Tell me,” you start, “tell me what’s going on.”. She shakes her head

You walk to the other side of the room and then in front of her. When you place your hand on her arm she jumps, but her feet stay planted

”Let me give you a hug, Carley. I think you could use one.” You say. She wants one so bad, but shakes her head

”It’ll be okay”

“I want you to be proud of me. I don’t want to be weak. I want you to remember me being strong.”

Carley blurts out, stiff and glued in place as she counts the 10 stripes on your shirt over and over again. Poor girl…