The Night of Many Endings

by Melissa Payne

sometimes the best way to open someone’s mind was by listening, not arguing.

When she shared personal bits about herself, it made her vulnerable to judgment and unwanted opinions. Like somehow hearing about her tragic life gave people the right to tell her what she should and shouldn’t do.

“I think that my purpose is to give to others, to help in whatever way I can. And if it adds to their moments and experiences, if it shows someone who doesn’t think they’re worth it that someone thinks they are”—she worked her jaw, glanced at Lewis, but he’d pulled back into his coat—“then maybe it makes one of their moments just a little bit better.”

They’d all let something control their lives. And for Nora it had been her fear that if she didn’t hold on tight enough, fight hard enough, sacrifice enough, she’d lose Mario. Yet none of it had mattered. Mario’s battles were his own.

because in that moment, it felt like the clouds above her dissipated and she understood. This wasn’t her battle, it wasn’t her fight, and it wasn’t her place to make sure he stayed sober. And that was okay. It was okay for her to let him survive on his own. And it was okay for her to live her own life while he did.