For a while I was scared to be alone, because then I would have to be with her.

Like oh god, you tellin me I gotta be ALONE with THAT fucking tornado over THERE? Have MERCY.

And I would do anything I could to not be with her,

any distraction to not have to look her in the eyes

protecting myself from her

avoiding her at all costs.

But recently, I’ve grown warmer, brighter, happier

over time, I’ve become my favorite place to be.

I’ve become my best friend

I’ve become my home

that’s not third-person her,

that’s first-person me.

I feel safe in me, and I feel happy, and I feel powerful

I feel ready to live again.