“Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'" — The Velveteen Rabbit When I was a child, all I ever wanted to be was happy. I think that’s because, even then, I knew I was different. A little shy. A little weird. A little strange. And, if I’m being honest, a little alone. I grew up in a busy house. The youngest of four kid

I’ve been missing my friend Kimi Serrano in California. We talk on the phone as often as we can because she’s one of the few people who refuses to go back and forth on text. And honestly, I respect that. Some conversations deserve voice. Tone. Presence. We’ve known each other for over 25 years. That means she’s seen every version of me, from my mid-20s to now. She knows my flaws, my strengths, my stubbornness, and my growth. And she’s still here. That means something. We’ve