Member-only story
Missed Hug
The Rejection of A Teen Looking For Acceptance
I never found out if she survived the gunshot wound.
Both beautiful and haunting, life throws us moments that live in our memories, refusing to die. One that sticks with me was a warm South Florida night, filled with laughter and hugs, yet tainted by a missed opportunity that haunts me to this day.
The air was electric as we arrived at the restaurant, joining a lively family gathering. “How you doing, Auntie?” “What’s up, cousin?” we shouted back and forth at each other. Smiles and hugs greeted us, and the promise of a good time filled the air. Little did I know, one misstep would plant a seed of regret deep within me.
Sitting close to the restaurant door were new members of our family, three kids by way of adoption. Their stories were familiar to us, rooted in hardships. Their parents were absent and their living situation was shakey, never knowing if they’d have a roof over their heads or how they would find their next meal. Their smiles that night spoke of hope and a new belonging.
As I made my way down the line, hugging each family member, I didn’t know I turned away one person too soon. It wasn’t until the next day, when my brothers picked at me for turning my back on a family member who reached out for a hug, that the weight of my actions…
