Liam

Before our timelines split, before my mind cracked open and my heart fell to pieces for my younger self who leaned in a natural direction but was turned away, I might have stood at the wall of doors and let the world around me pick for me which door to walk through, once again. I might have stayed with her. I might still be a three hour drive from my niblings and I might have seen them more frequently than I do now, living only 20 minutes away. I might not have stood up to him for spending fundraiser money meant for queer kids on his personal bills. I might have waited another 4 months to see him put the money where it was meant to go, never complaining so I would not disturb the peace, same as when I was young and they hit me and put me in isolation over and over again so I would stop saying “I am a boy.” How many more years before that pain resides? I might have never had top surgery. I might still be called by an old name. Maybe I wouldn’t have ever kissed or slept with anyone but m...