AVALINE

I want to be known for who I am. Otherwise, I'll always doubt whether I'm deserving of respect.

I stopped myself when I felt my throat starting to tighten. No way am I going to be vulnerable here. I'm their captive but I won't be their laughingstock.

I cleared my throat, maybe a bit too dramatically.

"Gently blow and stir the fire, lay the mutton down to roast, dress it nicely I desire, in the dripping put a toast," I used a Disney-like voice to add some drama to the poem.

"That I ...