The Voice of My Father

Dear Delyara, I spoke to my son today, and for a second, I heard my father’s voice coming out of my mouth. It was that same sharp, dismissive tone that used to make me retreat into my bedroom for hours. I saw my son’s face fall—that same look of quiet hurt I used to see in the mirror. I apologized immediately, but the damage was done. I’ve spent my whole adult life trying to be nothing like my father, but it’s like his shadow is woven into my DNA. I’m terrified that I’m going to break my son’s spirit the same way mine was broken, and I don't know how to stop the cycle before it’s too late.