I was green and passed my best years green, but it was the others who were jealous. I gave myself instructions for newness: scrub daily, eat little, dream of barnstorming. I’m someone who changes minimally and who always shops at the same store and eats the same sliced cheese. It’s true that if I ever had children they would have to adjust, as kids can do. “What are we having for dinner?” they ask. I stand there, unshaken. I shake my head no. For as long as I can stand their stares, I hold my ground. Give me hell instead.

Jeff P. Jones
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