Where did the time go? Remember when your brother threw that football and I caught it with my face? I don't think I can take that kind of pressure anymore, smiling while crying and apologizing for being in the way. The time has come, I once heard, to talk of many things. 

People don't really change. I still cringe in shame for existing, for being in the way. But if I am to survive in this space, in this time, instead of a smile, I'll bare my teeth instead and we'll walk on, you and I. For I am taking you with me. 

   Girl, come on let's go. Be my little sister. We'll forget the casual violence of spiky-haired boys. I will be the one who says no to the leers and helpful commentary from sidewalk Romeos. You will be the one who keeps walking when the past comes for me.  Tick-tock.  If we hurry, we can still find our place in the sun.  Just keep walking little sister. Even after I've fallen to the wolves of convention. Little sister.  The time can be now.