Deadweight Quotes

“My therapist has helped me learn to understand that if you don't unpack your own emotional baggage it's no longer baggage--it's deadweight.”
― Gina Barreca, If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse?

“I could almost take it if you were just a spoiled idiot who can’t drive worth a crap and damn near broke my sister’s leg off. Who lost half our money. And pissed away even more. I’ve been wanting you gone since that prohi told me you tipped him off about Daddy’s still,” she went on. “And to think we welcomed you into our family after you got him killed.”
“Now, hold on.” Jed backed slowly toward the opening of the loft. “You all didn’t ‘welcome’ me into this fucked-up family. Your daddy didn’t want me anywhere near it. And as I recall, there was a gun to my head at the wedding. Or at least pointed at some vital organ—”
“That’s been the real problem,” Shine interrupted. “The wedding. You married my sister. Who loved you, for some reason. Thought a leopard could change his spots, I guess. Instead, you cheated on her. But even with all your sins, shortcomings and sheer stupidity, I could’ve let bygones be bygones.”
She pulled the pistol from the pocket of her overalls.
“Whoa! Let’s not get crazy,” Jed stammered, smirk suddenly replaced with fear.
“But now you’ve gone and laid hands on her.” Shine shook her head slowly, as though regretful of what she was going to say next. Even though she wasn’t— not by a long shot. “She’s better off without you. We all are.”
― Michelle Collins Anderson, The Moonshine Women

“What… am I supposed to say?” Jed whined. “I never been much for writing.”
“Well, you can start with ‘Dear Elsie’ and continue with how sorry you are,” Shine said stonily. “Sorry for not being the man and husband you needed to be. And for letting down Hi. Sorry for hurting her. For hurting the entire family. And for breaking her heart in pieces.”
“Hold on, you’re going too fast,” Jed said, hands shaking as he tried to still the paper and write. “I can’t keep up.”
“Ha!” said Shine. “You never could. Wrap it up with the fact that she will be better off without you; the whole world will be.”
― Michelle Collins Anderson, The Moonshine Women