I Texted I Love You To My Guardian Uncle

My college psychology professor gave us an assignment: text your parents "I love you" and record their reaction.

Since both of my parents died years ago, I took the chance to send it to Julian, my adoptive uncle and guardian.

The chat window showed "typing..." on and off, but nothing came through for the longest time.

Two hours later, he finally replied: [Don't start having thoughts you shouldn't have.]

After that, he stripped away every bit of affection he had ever shown me. He blocked my number on Snapchat.