by Jesse Cameron Alick, photo by Ando Nesia

When I was in fourth grade I had a costume party for my birthday. All the other girls dressed up like princesses. I dressed up like the demon Yamantaka. As soon as all that lace and little girl high heels walked into my party, I knew I’d never fit in. The entire world could come to peace, all colors and creeds standing together in a crowd, like a dolls in a shop window, smiling – But I’d still be there standing out, the one doll out of place. The other girls didn’t look half as happy as princesses as I did as a monster though. They looked stiff and uncomfortable, but I was right at home.