Rely On Me (Short story)

Rely on Me

Ever since i put my heart in my work i was considered reliable. 

"You're the only one i can count on," mother smiled. 

I walked the stages of childhood growing more and more reliable. The responsibility of being reliable meant everyone could take it easy knowing i was there. Mother praised me, and with every achievement her smile grew.

I liked watching her smile. 
Father never gave her such pleasure.
So I must fill this hole myself, i thought. 

My mindset grew to "I am needed", but in reality it was "Don't abandon me". 

As time aged on my achievements weren't enough to satisfy mother nor friends. Good wasn't good enough, great wasn't excellent, excellence wasn't happiness. 

I worked hard for long and daunting hours. 
No matter how much i helped, how many hours volunteered, this hole was never filled. 
 
Don't abandon me. 
You need me. 

As time ran on i realized i never had aged with it.

Father didn't consider me reliable. 
I couldn't even fill this hole. 
I shoved responsibility into it, what i deemed happiness into it, and yet the hole never seemed satisfied. 

Don't leave me. 
You need me. 
Lean on me. 
I need you to not let go.  
For I am reliable, but I need to rely on you.