“
I take a shower, and then I head downstairs. Mom, Dad, and Bhai are in the living room drinking tea and laughing. My stomach flips, and I'm tempted to just forget about the whole thing and go to bed. But somehow I summon up the courage to keep going.
"Hey, can I come in?" I hesitate in the entryway.
"Of course." Dad pats the sofa next to him. "What is it, Rahul?"
Somehow, this feels scarier than standing up to Brent on the football field.
I take a deep breath as I settle into the sofa between Mom and Dad. "I want to tell you something," I say.
"Okay," Mom says. "You can tell us anything."
Bhai nods at me, and his eyes are bright. Encouraging.
I nod back.
"What is it, Rahul?" Mom gently rubs my back.
Even though I want to keep my eyes fixed on my lap, I force myself to lift my head up. My eyes water, but the words come out of my mouth so simply.
"I think I'm gay," I say.
I look up at Mom, and I see her whole face soften. Like she's proud of me.
She leans in and hugs me. "Thank you for telling us, Rahul."
I hold her for a long time.
”
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