I took her hand and held it, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't say a single word.
I finally understood what it actually meant.
***
The following morning, I sat in Mr. Paulson's office with Kathleen beside me.
Maya sat across the table, next to her mother, staring at the floor. Every instinct in me wanted to speak first, loudest, and longest.
I didn't.
I squeezed Kathleen's hand once and let go.
My daughter's voice shook as she spoke.
I squeezed Kathleen's hand once.
"That photo hurt," Kathleen said. "I sat next to you at lunch for months, Maya. I saved you a seat every single time. You didn't have to do that to me. You could've just talked to me."
Maya's chin trembled.
"I felt invisible," she whispered. "You and Brenda have this whole thing, and I thought if you were smaller, I'd finally be somebody. I know that's awful. I know."
