i drove you there

not to this point

but to this place

she sat across from us

two scared men

asking those questions diligently

ticking them off one by one

i sat beside you

taking in your breath

equally proud and hesitant

are you?

did you?

have you?

how long?

Liquorpillscocainepotxtobacco?

finally

asked who i am to you

and you said “family”

s’funny how significant a blank space can become when it is filled.