“You just don’t understand!” Eli said as he slammed his door.

“Honey, don’t bother him. It’s just a phase. John!

John got up, visibly frustrated, and went to Eli’s room. There sat Eli in the corner of his room.

“Go away!”

“Eli, stop.”

“You don’t understand! You never will!”

“I think I do.”

“My life sucks! This family sucks! Fuck this!”

“You think like sucks? Have you ever taken the time to learn about me? Did you know I was kicked out at 17? Did you know I got mugged that night for everything I had? Did you know I was in a homeless shelter for a month? Did you know my girlfriend of 6 years dumped me on Valentines Day? Did you know I had to take up a second job to keep this family afloat when you were two? You didn’t! I have worked damn hard to give you a better life than I ever had! Now tell me you had it worse than me!”

Eli was silent.

“I love you Eli. Life does that stuff to make you grow up. When you want to talk, we’ll help. Don’t fight alone.”

John shut the door and Eli sat quietly that night.