My Body, My Yes
Ages 4–95 min read
Anya had a rule, and the rule was new, and the rule was hers.
Her grandma had taught her: your body belongs to you. Hugs are a kind of giving. And you only give a hug when YOU want to give a hug. Not because it would be polite. Not because someone is waiting. A hug is a yes you choose.
It sounded simple when Grandma said it. It got more complicated at the door.
Auntie Roma was visiting. Auntie Roma loved hugs. Auntie Roma was loud, and warm, and smelled like flower-perfume. When she came in the door, her arms were already wide.
"Anya! Come, come, come!"
Anya did NOT want a hug today. She didn't know why. She didn't have to know why. She only knew her body said: not now, please.
Sleep tight.