Crashing Waves

Every child deserves to be loved.
Every child deserves parents who love them.

Yet, for as long as I can remember, I’ve harbored an insatiable craving for that one simple thing.
Love.
I was desperate for it. Through years of mistreatment and degradation, I longed for the affection I saw others receive. And I was willing to do anything to prove myself to the people I wanted it from—including going to war.
Yet it was never enough. Nothing ever was.
Except when it came to Laura, my high school sweetheart … and I pushed her away.
Over and over again.
Because how could I possibly deserve love from her—or anyone—if my own parents couldn’t find me worthy of theirs?
Maybe I’m just not worthy of anything.