When I get home,I let the tears fall.
I’m not ready for his apology. Not ready to fall apart in front of him.
So instead, I grabLittle Women, allowing my soul to be swallowed whole by Jo’s fierce heart and Beth’s fragile one, by the kind of love that doesn’t disappear when life fractures, and by the hope that broken moments can still be beautiful.
After a couple hours, I stand and stretch, feeling the ache of my joints. Everything is tender, from my thoughts to my toes. I pull the list from my pocket and stare at it.
Two things are now marked off, and there’s a growing fire in my belly to prove that those two things weren’t just a fling with fantasy—with who I could be.
My phone vibrates on the kitchen counter. I walk over to it and pick it up.
Mom
You okay, honey? Your sisters were disappointed you didn’t say goodbye.
I sigh.
Sadie
I’ll text them.
I pull up our group chat.
Sadie
Hey. I’m sorry I left like that. I wasn’t feeling very good.
Emma
You don’t have to apologize. It was kind of a lot with Milo and Grant. What’s up with all of that?
Sophie
Sorry, Sadie. I was just teasing, but also, Dad’s right. Grant is a good guy.
Sadie
I’ve just been a bit busy. I’m fine.
I stare at the words so long that the screen goes dark.
I’m not fine.I don’t think I have been for a while—and realizing that might be the scariest part.
My phone lights back up.
Emma
I just want the best for you.
Sophie
Me too.
I glance down at the list.
Sadie
I’m working on figuring out what that is. Love you both.
