Chilly winter wind swept down the hospital corridor the moment I stepped outside, stinging the corners of my eyes with a dull, raw ache.
Still, no tears fell.
Years of hardship had long dried up every last tear I had to shed.
I returned to my own quiet apartment.
Small yet spotlessly tidy, it wrapped around me like a warm embrace.
Soft gray curtains lined the living room windows, and potted green plants bloomed quietly on the balcony.
My orange tabby cat, Furball, curled lazily on the sofa. It lifted its head lazily at the sound of the door opening and let out a soft meow.
I set my coat casually over a chair, stepping forward to scratch the top of its head.
It purred loudly, nuzzling its face deeper into my palm in contentment.
I'd finally built a true home for myself. Not a shelt
