My dad’s sixtieth birthday invitation said, “Black tie only—dress properly or don’t come.” Then Mom called and whispered, “Your sister’s boyfriend is a senator’s son. We can’t have you embarrassing us.”

without me, then deleted it when people started asking questions.

I did not chase any of them.

The next morning, I took Emma out for pancakes.

She had syrup on her chin and sunlight in her hair when I told her, “Never shrink yourself to fit inside someone else’s shame.”

She nodded seriously, as if she understood every word.

Maybe she did.

Because children continue reading …