Stephanie Carty

Mam says that there’s no place like home.

Once again, she felt unheard. Father confused his wishes with hers.

I don’t want to. I’m tired. Everything hurts. Doing it makes me hurt more.’

How many times had they rotated around the same conversation recently, as if playing a game of catch?

Being special is better than being normal. Better for everyone.’

We hug with our words.

‘Men are different to us. They can smile while they lie. They’re dangerous to girls because they only see the way the world is for men. We don’t need them.’