you don’t have to exploit it in order to prove anything. no, dad, no. lean close to the mirror and look into your eyes, twisting, swirling color. i once picked up a cracked river stone. one side was smooth but the other was jagged and broken. I wonder what it’s like to feel whole again. i feel a river raging from my scars, the thunder of it is the most powerful thing i’ve ever heard… love yourself in all your forms, speak encouragement to little brother, keep his head up. know you are more important than your bench press max, more valuable than whatever expensive car you drive. the women you hold company with do not determine your worth, your standing among other men. your masculinity is determined by your character, by fighting the river current until you are entirely smooth on every side again. complete.
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