CORNERED

She’s been crying.

Her turquoise eyes shining.

She pulls me into the corner of the hallway,

asks why I didn’t tell her.

My insides shrink,

all I can think to say is I didn’t know how.

She asks did I think she couldn’t handle it,

that she wouldn’t understand or be helpful?

I shake my head no, that’s not it.

But I don’t say anything

except I’m sorry.

We stand in strained silence,

then the Yearbook advisor

taps me on the shoulder.