Off Sides in Kansas

My first day at a new school has arrived in a Kansas town with four stoplights, too many familiar faces, and nowhere to hide.

Starting over here was never my plan, and neither was moving in with my older brother, his relentlessly cheerful wife, and their two daughters.

Their happiness keeps reminding me of the safe home, the family that actually loves one another, and a life worth staying for—things I have never had.

My brother found that happiness here. I remain convinced there is nothing here for me, even if the town and its people have another plan.