The one I brought was myself—the version of me forged in warehouses and divorce courts and business ledgers and heat-soaked laundromats. The version of me that knows love doesn’t require surrender. The version of me that understands that protecting your autonomy isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
Sometimes the hardest thing you’ll ever do is stand up to someone you love.
Sometimes the bravest thing you’ll ever say is a simple, steady no.
And sometimes, when six people are circling you like you’re wounded, you don’t need a crowd to fight back.
You just need to remember who you are.
Because when you do, you’re never truly outnumbered.
