Chapter 10 - The Unwritten Future
At thirty-eight, my life was full, beautiful, and entirely of my own making.
I sat on the balcony of my condo, wrapped in a soft cashmere blanket, holding a warm mug of coffee as the morning sun broke over the Seattle skyline.
Below me, the city was waking up. Boats glided smoothly across the blue water of the bay, cars moved along the avenue, and people walked their dogs through the park.
My life wasn't defined by the thirty-five years I had spent surviving my family.
It was defined by the freedom I had claimed on my thirty-sixth birthday.
I took a slow, deep breath of the fresh salt air, feeling the steady, rhythmic beat of my heart inside my chest.
No one was standing behind me on the stairs.
No one was sneaking behind my back.
No one was telling me I was clumsy, dramatic, or forgotten.
I set my coffee cup down, stood up, and leaned against the balcony railing, facing the bright, open horizon.
My name was Kelly Hughes.
May you like
I was strong. I was clear. I was safe.
And the rest of my story was mine to write.
