A long time

It's been a long time since I have felt truly at ease with my friends

Since I've been able to laugh freely, smile easily, and be unapologetically myself

But now I have found people who make me feel accepted and celebrated

Who laugh with me, not at me

Who pick me up when I fall

Who listen when I need to talk and talk when I need to listen

Who do goofy, silly things with me 

And who are the people I would gladly stay with forever

And that is why I will never leave.

Posted in response to the challenge Leave.

M. Hank

VT

14 years old