*

i lived in this house for a little more than 3 years as a boy; just my mother and i. it is located in the center of town, across from a park and a public swimming pool and at the time, not far from most of my relatives. nearly every remaining memory i have of my childhood is centered around this house, in this town. when i drive by it today, i feel like i've been punched in the stomach. i have spent my entire adult life trying to escape this house -- this small town -- yet the house still stands, mocking me.