You see the love, you see all of the broken parts, you see the monster with the glazed eyes that looks just like them—yet, unreachable. you see the hurt little boy that desperately needs to protect themselves to never be seen the way their father saw them—so they lie, manipulate, hate you for seeing their brokenness, for seeing them at all. And still you hold your arms out openly— to be their safe place, the enduring, unwavering, unconditional love that doesn’t leave, the love that doesn’t require perfection, the love that whispers—over and over—you are more than enough, I choose you, trust me to let all of this go, you are safe now.

And still — they break you