My Parents Arrived With Suitcases Like My Apartment Was Already Theirs

performance.

“I raised you better than this.”

There it was.

It landed exactly where he’d aimed it, too. Right under my ribs, in the sore old place.

Because he had raised me to be useful.

To answer the phone.

To babysit Ashley when she was “having a tough week.”

To drive Mom to appointments.

To make Thanksgiving centerpieces when Mom overcommitted and then continue reading …