One (Sarah Crossan)

The Launch

Mom and Dad prepare Tippi and me

for our first day at school

like they are

launching astronauts

into space.

Every day is packed with appointments.

They arrange for us to see our

therapists, doctors, and dentist.

Then Grammie highlights our hair

and shapes our nails

so we will be ready for our

Great Public Appearance.

‘It’s going to be fabulous!’ Mom says,

pretending we aren’t being

thrown into a ring of lions

without a weapon,

and Dad smiles

crookedly.

Dragon, who’s about to become a freshman,

rolls her eyes

and tugs at the cuff of her cardigan.

‘Oh, come on, Mom,

don’t pretend like it’s going to be easy.’

‘Well, I’m leaving if I hate it,’ Tippi announces,

and Dragon says,

‘I hate school. Can I stay at home?’

Grammie is watching Judge Judy.

‘Why would anyone hate school?’ she caws.

‘Best days of your lives, girls.

You’ll meet your sweethearts there.’

Dad turns away,

Dragon blushes,

and Mom doesn’t speak

because

they all know

that finding love is

something

that will never

happen

for us.