I hate myself. I can’t do anything right. I just want to die. I mean, what’s left to live for? The world, once in so many vibrant colors, is now all black and white.

I walk into the kitchen, slinging my backpack on the floor. My sister is there, her and her husband Mark. I try to slip up to my room, unheard and unseen, but to no avail. My sister tries to draw me into the conversation, but I resist.

“How was school?” What a dumb question. I just want to get away. Upstairs, to my only sanctuary. I flop down on a chair, resigned.

My sister, seemingly oblivious to my mood, comes over and places her baby girl into my arms.

All of the sudden, holding this precious child to me, the world slides slowly back into color. I know I have to stay here. I have to stay for this baby, for this baby niece.

Her eyes look up at me, so innocent. I smile.