The silence in my room hit harder than I expected. My chest felt tight—like I couldn’t get enough air, like I was suffocating in a space that was supposed to be mine.
I made my way over to my bed, perching right on the edge, torn between burying myself in the sheets and sobbing for days and scolding myself for even considering that as a possibility. I didn't deserve it.
My fingers trembled as I sat there, just staring at the wall, trying to get a hold of myself.
The paperwork was done. Signed, sealed, ready for whatever the hell the next step was. I should have felt relief. I should have felt something other than this dull, crushing weight pressing down on my chest.
But all I could think about was that stupid hug from Uncle Mike and the way his voice softened when he said, “I love you,
