On the day I was discharged from the hospital, I did three things.
First, I packed every single gift Ezra had ever given me into two cardboard boxes.
Second, I mailed the engagement ring back to him via courier.
Third, I blocked him on everything.
Mom kept wiping her tears while helping me pack my luggage, but she didn't try to talk me out of it anymore.
I think she'd finally come to understand.
Her daughter might be slow and foolish, but once I made up my mind to let go, I was more stubborn than anyone.
*****
I moved into an empty apartment my aunt owned in a neighboring city.
It was a small one-bedroom place. On the windowsill sat a half-dead pothos, bone-dry from being forgotten.
I watered the plant, unpacked my luggage, and stood alone in the empty living room. That was when
