From when I was two, from the time that I walked, life seemed so simple. From the smell of fresh air, to the delicious smell of mom’s cooking. From the screams and laughter to the crying and the fighting, mom and dad heard the four of us through the thin walls. 

One home suddenly became two. One street turned into five. Time split between mom and dad and four now became one. As old homes passed and street lights dimmed, I continued breaking. 

From promises of forever friendships that faded. From faded conversations to the faded hangouts. From the silence that grew louder. 

From new halls and new lockers. From new classrooms to new faces. From familiarity and comfort that disappeared.

From hopes to continuous disappointments. From responding with “I’m good” to responding with a girl’s favorite phrase, “I’m fine.” From tears that started out as puddles to the tears that then become rivers.