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Grade
8

My house is full of old things that I never threw away. I was always scared of losing them and not having them when I needed to. That was silly. Why would I need garbage? 

When I walk across my floor, I trip over empty containers and books I’ve already read. I cut my feet on legos and step over stuffed animals I’ve outgrown. I start to hate myself for being so clingy. And then I hate myself for hating myself. But something catches my eye in the pyre of my old things. A stuffed animal pig with worn ears and dirty hooves. She used to be my best friend. I remember how we climbed on the roof together in the summer and danced in the rain in the spring. I held her close when I jumped in the pile of autumn leaves and skated with her on our frozen pond.

I pick up my old friend and set her on the mantel above the burning fireplace. And while I think of our good times, I give an old piece of garbage to the flames.