A Safe Place

‘Men are different to us. They can smile while they lie. They’re dangerous to girls because they only see the way the world is for men. We don’t need them.’

We hug with our words.

Being special is better than being normal. Better for everyone.’

How many times had they rotated around the same conversation recently, as if playing a game of catch?

I don’t want to. I’m tired. Everything hurts. Doing it makes me hurt more.’

Once again, she felt unheard. Father confused his wishes with hers.

Mam says that there’s no place like home.