Space
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. (Viktor E. Frankl)
If...
I...?
No.
Not I...?
Not you. Me.
***
So if you...?
So if I said... No...
If you said No...?
No. Not if I said No.
You said, No. You did.
I didn't.
You didn't say, No?
No.
Oh.
***
No. I didn't say No. I said... No, I can't.
You can't what?
I can't say it.
Just say it.
Do you want me to say it?
I don't know. I suppose... Once you've said it...
***
I know. Once I've said it...
It's out there?
Yes. Once I've said it, it would be...
Out there.
It would.
***
So?
So perhaps...
So perhaps...?
I won't.
You're sure?
Yes. I'm sure.
***
Okay then.
It's okay?
Yes.
It's really okay?
Yes. If you're sure... Then it's really okay.
***
We're still good?
We're still good.
***
Even though...?
Even though.
About the Creator
Stephanie Ginger
Writer, screenwriter, poet, playwright, journalist. I love the drama of life: long, short, on the page or on the screen but always character-driven.
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Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Letter to our Queer & Trans Youth
Hey, you. I thought I’d start this letter by telling you a little about myself, just so you know who you’re dealing with. I’m an emotional dad, father to three amazing kids who we met through the foster care system, and whose presence in our lives has really transformed my sense of responsibility to the communities that surround us. The connections we’ve made with one another, with our extended families, and with the communities where we live and look for belonging have catapulted us into this whirlwind of emotional tumult which, while not easy by any stretch of the measure, has also been remarkably healing. I realize ours is really only a one-sided chosen family, since our kids didn’t get to choose to live here, but I’d like to think that they did choose to let us love them, which allowed them to grow to love us. And I think that’s where I want to go with this letter- to a place where you can find belonging and healing- even if the pathway there may be peppered with some emotional tumult.
By F Cade Swanson4 days ago in Pride
Comments (13)
Congratulations on having your story featured as a top story on Vocal! This is a remarkable achievement, and it's clear why your work has received such recognition. Your storytelling is truly exceptional. The narrative was not only compelling but also beautifully crafted, holding my attention from start to finish. The way you developed the characters and plot was masterful, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking. Your unique voice and perspective shine through, setting your work apart. It’s evident that you poured a lot of passion and effort into this piece, and it has certainly paid off. I look forward to reading more of your incredible stories in the future. Keep up the fantastic work! Best regards, Dr. Jay
🥳 congrats!
Congrats on TS!
This is adorable! Congrats on TS!
What is said in the silence and space Love this Well done and congratulations
Nailed it! Simple and profound. Congratulations on your Top Story.
Interesting. I wonder what she wanted to say🤔 your writing grabs people's attention. Very intriguing. Congrats on top story!
Brilliant! love to read it says so much ☺️! 🩷 Congratulations on Top story ! 🌞
It says so much with very little. Excellent Top Story!
Congratulations on the Top Story.
Congratulations on Top Story! 🥳 I'll admit I have no idea what isn't being said here, but I'm intrigued by the tension you create through the structure. I've read your dialogue poem several times and come away with a different answer for myself each time. I like that. I so appreciate that quote, too. Humans are the only beings known to have a meta state of awareness, knowledge of knowledge and that space between impetus and action. The pause, they say, is where conscience lives. Can you tell me what is being said/not said. Is it, "I love you"? Or is someone admitting/denying being LGBTQ+? Is it something else altogether that's happening here? I have loads of ideas... But maybe you don't want to put it out there? Please feel free to answer or not -- I don't want to spoil the mystery for other readers. 😊
Great job!! Congrats on your top story
ohh wow i'm glad this made it to top story, this is wonderful.