“For the past fifteen years, I never imagined what happiness would look like. I never dared to. But the second you showed up, I couldn’t not think about it. Then, I found myself wanting it. Craving it. You make me want to be happy, Briar. You make me feel like…like maybe it’s okay if I’m happy.” The words trudged up my throat like rusted gears, forcing themselves to turn after years of neglect. It would take some time getting used to this mindset, but the sentiment remained.
