Things Change
Diana's entire childhood was a lie.
It disgusted her how easily everyone in her life could lie to her—the way her friends always made excuses so they wouldn't have to go over to her house, the way teachers always asked if she was okay even though she knew they didn't care, the way her father looked her in the eyes every single day and told her that her mother was "fine."
Diana promised herself that if she ever had a daughter, she would never lie to her. How could she, after she knew how horrible the lack of truth in her life felt?
But now that she's grown up, she understands why they all lied to her. Staring at Natalie, who just wants to feel like she's loved, Diana knows that she'll do anything to prevent intentionally hurting her daughter—even lie.
"Of course I love you," she whispers. The words don't even feel bitter in her mouth as she says them.
Natalie glares at her and dashes back into her room.
Diana can picture Natalie promising herself the same thing: If I ever have a daughter, I'll never lie to her.
If only you knew how much things change, Natalie.