I kept this to myself for 20 years.

I turn and face my mother and as I take a breath my heart breaks.

UNKNOWN BY ESSENCE MOORE 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE  ISSUE 18

The drab white elevator walls close in on me. We only have to go up one floor but it seems like fifty. My feet feel as if they have lead in them and my legs are shaking.

Sitting in the waiting room for my therapist, I try to lighten t…