Ten years ago, and before that, the person that I was was beholden to anxieties.  From when I was a young child I was told I was a boy. I was taught that boys act and dress one way, and girls act and dress another. ...

On my left, through the trees, I could see the sun reflecting off of a lake. The water sparkled and looked inviting, but there was no obvious trail to it. Stared off at the lake I wanted the day to be done.  I thought about walking into the underbrush and mingling with the trees. ...