The first time we met, Peter greeted me with too much enthusiasm. I try to be as polite as I can when I’m not alone. My parents would be very disappointed if they knew how I actually am.

Peter was some kind of sanctuary for me. Loud and annoying but still a sanctuary. We get bullied a lot. I mean it was inevitable, with me being the Asian nerd and Peter being a noisy weirdo. They could throw all the dirt they want at him but he’s the only one I ever considered a true friend.  

When I told him the truth I kept inside for too long, he didn’t even hesitate to support me. He was the first one to call me by the name I chose. I felt exhilarated, enough to get the courage to come out to my parents.  

Peter helped me cut my hair and gave me some of his clothes but when my parents saw me...   

Everything went downhill and it never stopped. I kept sinking. Of course, I had no right to be myself.