by Lauren Pirie-Scott from the second we open our eyes, we are searching, yearning for affection, we kick, punch, scream and cry, scramble for scraps of attention. as soon as we can walk on our own, they tell us we’ll break many hearts, that’s when the concept of being alone is planted, roots ripping our insides apart. He pushes you and pulls your hair, they say that’s how he shows love, she picks you back up fondly, and you forget about his shove. you begin to grow into your hips, eager to gather their lustful stares, but they discard you if you trip, she assures you she’ll always care. at this point you’re giving up, why does nobody want me? oh right now you’re just out of luck, she says, one day you’ll see. Now you’re old enough to know better, though you still crave that partnership, but what if you’ve already met her? the roots begin to loosen their grip. What if love isn’t difficult and painful, it’s a comfortable silence, it’s being adored when you look dull, E...