The Good Girl

by Charity

Growing up, we were "the good girl" and a solid A student, both with little effort. We believed that being perfect was the only way to be acceptable. And we were ostracized by our peers, especially in grade school, for doing as well as we did.

Part of us wants to be extraordinary. Another part of us wants to sink into a hole and go unnoticed. Yes, we want our skills and expertise recognized, but unfortunately, validation brings the obligation to live up to our reputation.

At least we didn't stay in bed all day yesterday. We organized files on our computer. We went to the laundromat and did two and a half loads. We ate dinner. Every step was like pulling teeth.

Our world has been crumbling for the last seven years, starting when our father got sick. He's been gone for two and a half years. He was the only one in our life who gave more than he got back.

We don't know how we'll ever heal or have a life without all of this pain.