Emma was fifteen. Tyler was her first boyfriend.
They’d been dating for about two months. And until that Friday afternoon, my husband Daniel and I had genuinely liked him.
He was polite. He always looked us in the eye and said, “Hi, Mr. Miller. Hi, Mrs. Miller.” He took his shoes off at the door without being asked. One Saturday, he saw Daniel unloading groceries from the car, and he just walked over and grabbed four bags without a word.
Daniel came inside afterward and said, “Well. That’s a good kid.”
I agreed with him.
And now my daughter was sitting on the edge of the bathtub with a razor, because that good kid was ashamed to hold her hand.
I knelt down on the bath mat in front of her. I gently took the razor out of her lap and set it on the counter next to the towels.
“Can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Before Tyler said that. Did you ever, even once, want to shave your arms?”
She thought about it. Then she shook her head.
“Then you don’t have to start.”
“But what if he thinks I’m gross?”
“Emma.” I took both of her hands in mine. “Look at me. There is nothing wrong with your arms. Nothing. You have the same arms I have. The same arms your grandma has. They’re good arms. They carried your little brother when he was a baby. They drew that horse that won the art fair in seventh grade.”
She almost smiled. Almost.
“I know,” she said.
But I could tell she didn’t believe me yet.
That’s the thing about being fifteen. Your mother can tell you a hundred times you’re beautiful. But one boy says one thing in a hallway, and that’s the one you believe.
I knew that better than she did. I just hadn’t told her yet.
I sat with her on the bathroom floor for a while. Neither of us said much. After a few minutes, she leaned her head on my shoulder, the way she used to when she was little.
“Don’t tell Dad,” she said.
“I won’t,” I said. “But I think you should.”
She didn’t answer that.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.