"Charlie is learning how

to speak," mom beamed

to Azura. Azura's eyes widened

as she hugged me tightly.

"Really?" her eyes sparkled

with happiness. "I'm so

proud of you, Charlie."

I smiled and gave her a tiny

kiss, catching mom roll her

eyes.

In just a week or two, I'll be

planting kisses on the foreheads

of three people.

And it's these moments

that seem innocuous but

end up marking a new era

in this life of mine.

It's set in motion by a

series of epiphanies, realizing

how I've changed, how

my mind ticks like a clock

without being set on which time

it is.

It's moments like these

where I wonder if being able

to speak, to pour words so easily

and freely out of my thin lips

would change everything.

Where would I be?

Where would Azura be?

Would the twins even exist?

And it's days like these where

I don't regret anything.

Maybe getting that haircut in

seventh grade but still,

no regrets.

Hopefully.