Why?, I asked him quietly. Why do you bother listening to me? I'll bring you nothing but trouble. Because we're family, he said. You're my cousin and I care about you. Don't think I would ever turn my back on you. I'm not going anywhere. When everyone else has left you behind, know that your family will never leave you. We are the only ones whose love you should never doubt. It took me a long time to realize this, but I know in my heart that I'm right. We will always love you, no matter how rough it gets. Relationships will come and go, but family is solid, strong. I know you so well and you don't even realize it. We grew up together. Our souls walk the same path. Strange words from someone I have always seen as so much younger than me. How does he know? How can I talk to him so easily when we haven't seen each other in so long? How can he know? We have been through the same thing. For once in my life I trust somebody. Don't worry, he said. We are the same. I know what you're going through. I know why you sing. I know why you cry. I have been there too.

submitted by Kate
Boston, Massachusetts USA
December 1996