I was born when I stopped being afraid to live. I cowered for much of my childhood and thrived. My strength grew from my fear, not because I wanted to escape but instead fight back. Win. Rise.

I was never close to my parents. Mother was a mess and I never could settle on my father's identity.

I've always been pretty sure I'm real. Existence is relative where I come from. There have always been questions, don't get me wrong. The questions aren't mine though, so I feel no attachment to them. I need no answers. I simply exist.

My mother is the only one who has ever questioned my existence. Try to wrap your head around that fact while I get another beer. Take your time. No pressure.

Give up? So soon, too. That's disappointing; I had faith in you. Well, no matter. I will let you in on the secret to my existence and my mother's objection to it in good time. First; a story.