hear 163.

“You should be grateful about Dad paying for your tuition.
You should be grateful you don’t live on the streets.
You should be grateful I make food for you.”

I am.
I am grateful.
That’s why I prioritize school over sleep, battle hunger over eating out and chores over fun.


But when you say it out loud, the gratefulness turns sour, as if I was obligated from the beginning.
No choice.

Dad doesn’t boast his generosity, doesn’t force me to be grateful.
Perhaps that’s why I listen more carefully to him.