hold my breath as
he checks my phone
i’ve nothing to hide—
still it’s a habit
that familiar fear of
getting caught being myself
later i’m scolded for staying up too late
asked if i am being difficult on purpose
or maybe asked if i’m being annoying
or irritating
on purpose
it’s all the same
these words
he scolds
now we don’t have time
to wash your hair
but i have to
i have work in the morning
then close the bathroom door behind me
—that is a normal thing
i think?
maybe another mistake
i close the door because
i am scared
what I would say
if I let my own anger out
