Sara Watson’s Reviews > Love and Other Words > Status Update

Dad made a good living, and our house in Berkeley had every material possession. We could possibly need or want. But what we could never buy was chaos and bustle. We locked noise, and strife, and the joy of overstuffed plates, because everyone insisted that their favorite dish be made. Just inside their door we were pulled like metal to magnets into the madness.

We’re not 18, babe. We’re not coming into this without a few chinks in our armor. I don’t expect you to have room in your heart for me only.

Treat your body carefully. Take care of it. Don’t let anyone abuse it and don’t abuse it yourself. Every inch of your skin I made diligently, months I slaved over you. You are my masterpiece.