The Promise

Before there was a marriage to lose, there was a promise.

My parents separated when I was young. My tender heart learned its first language early. Rejection. Not enough. Somehow too much, both at once.

Out of that, I made a promise. If I just love hard enough, give enough, need little enough, maybe no one else will leave.

I did not decide this. I simply believed it, the way children believe the things that keep them safe.