I hike without checking my phone.

I laugh loudly in restaurants.

And when I catch my reflection in dark glass, I no longer see the woman frozen outside a bedroom door.

I see someone whole.

Michael made his choice that Thursday afternoon.

He chose fantasy.

He chose ego.

But his betrayal gave me something he never intended to give me:

my freedom.

The money gave me independence.

Walking away gave me myself.

The End