When It Clicks

Person A:

I’ve been working since I was seven.
Helping my family survive… not getting ahead—just… staying afloat.

Person B:
Seven? That’s… not normal.

Person A:
It was for me.
Reduced lunch, being “in the system”… that was just life.
And then I grew up, and they said, “Here—food stamps.”
Like it was progress.
But it felt like I never actually moved forward.

Person B:
I mean… at least there was support, right?

Person A:
Support that keeps you in place isn’t really support.
Every time something looked like a way out—more money, lower costs—
it somehow worked against me.
Like the system didn’t want me to leave.

Person B:
…Yeah. I’ve heard people say that.

Person A:
It’s not just the system though.
It’s people.

Person B:
What do you mean?

Person A:
People who don’t question themselves.
Who suddenly switch up on you and just say—
“I don’t like them anymore.”

Person B:
…(quiet)

Person A:
Instead of asking,
“Why do I feel this way?”
“Why now?”

Person B:
…That sounds kind of deep for something like that.

Person A:
It’s not random.
It’s like—when you start getting stronger…
when you might actually make it out—
something in people shifts.

Person B:
…What do you mean?

Person A:
Like they feel it.
And instead of supporting you,
they pull back… or they hurt you…
and don’t even question why.

Person B:
…

Person A:
No one says,
“Maybe I’m reacting to them growing.”
“Maybe I’m repeating something bigger than me.”

They just say,
“Oh well. Probably someone else’s problem.”

Person B:
…(long pause)
I think… I’ve done that.

Person A:
…What?

Person B:
With you.
I told myself I just didn’t like you anymore.
But… that wasn’t really it.

Person A:
Then what was it?

Person B:
You were changing.
You were getting stronger.
And instead of being happy for you…
it made me uncomfortable.

And I didn’t stop to ask why.
I just… distanced myself.
Said things that weren’t fair.
Acted like it didn’t matter.

Person A:
…That’s exactly what I mean.

Person B:
I know.
And I’m sorry.
Not just for what I did—
but for not questioning myself.

For choosing the easy explanation
instead of the honest one.

Person A:
…(softly)
That’s the first time I’ve heard someone actually say that.

Person B:
You didn’t deserve that.
You’ve been fighting something bigger than both of us…
and I made it harder.

I’m really sorry.

Person A:
…Thank you for saying it.
That matters.

Person B:
I want to do better.
For real this time.

Person A:
Then start by asking “why.”
That’s how it changes.

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