Finding the right professional help, along with a loving, non-judgmental environment, is essential.

One of Clara's teachers asked me to stay after class. "How are you doing?" she asked. I almost laughed. No one had asked me that in weeks. I told her I was okay, mostly, and she said, "It's okay not to be okay. You're allowed to struggle too."

The therapist suggested a family session—just Clara and me. It was awkward at first. We sat across from each other in the therapist's office, avoiding eye contact. Then the therapist asked Clara, "What do you want your brother to understand?"

If you’ve only read the original run, you’re missing the "soul" of the story. The serves as a bridge between the trauma of the past and the possibilities of the future. It’s a tear-jerker, certainly, but it’s also a warm embrace for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't "fit in."

At lunch, my friend Marcus asked, "Why's your sister always home?" I froze. What was I supposed to say? She's broken? She's weak? She's making it all up? None of those were true. "She's dealing with some health stuff," I finally said. Marcus nodded and moved on.