23
Words by Cristina Medina | Illustration by Gabriela Grande
When I was 19, I thought love was staying in an abusive relationship because I didn’t deserve anything better.
When I was 21, I thought love was continuing a shitty relationship because we’d known each other since we were kids.
At 23, love is letting each other rest on our bad days while the other takes care of the chores for the day.
At 23, love is chismeando con mi hermana on a regular basis.
At 23, love is watching mi hermanita become a lil me.
At 23, love is picking up a caffeine addiction because mi ma has one too.
At 23, love is realizing how much I emotionally have in common with mi pa.
At 23, love is my dog cuddling up with me when I’m having a rough time.
At 23, love is feeling pure joy as I watch my best friend grow a whole baby inside her.
At 23, love is being proud of myself.
At almost 24, love is what has brought me to who I am becoming.