I am scared to call you home

because home is not knowing whether or not you are wanted. home is 12 hour school days and long walks to the bridge to stay away. home is instability and harsh words and TV dinners at 10 pm. home is different people and different apartments and learning different ways to walk on eggshells.

but you are four walls and a fireplace and pictures on the mantle. you are Christmas dinner and game nights and fluffy blankets on the couch. you are bedtime stories and long hugs and kisses goodnight. you are safe and you are warm and you make me feel wanted.

you are home.