But lately, I’d begun measuring my words before speaking. I knew which opinions would earn an eye roll, which clothes might invite a remark, and which feelings would be dismissed as overreacting.
I’d become good at avoiding arguments.
I wasn’t sure when I’d started confusing that with happiness.
I called my sister Laurel.
“Can I ask you something without you making a big deal of it?”
“That’s never a promising opening,” she said.
I almost laughed.
Then I asked whether I could stay with her for a few days if I needed to.
“Of course,” she replied.
“I haven’t decided anything.”
“I understand.”
Afterward, I felt frightened.
I hadn’t packed a bag or made a threat. I’d simply given myself somewhere to go.
For the first time, staying wasn’t my only option.
At 4:30 p.m., Wade texted.
Leaving early. Hope the boys picked a good game.
