Six months later, I sat in a college classroom for the first time in eight years. I had been accepted into the business administration program at the community college, and I was loving every minute. My first semester grades were perfect: straight A’s and a spot on the Dean’s List.
I had paid off my debts. I rented a small, comfortable apartment. I had gained back the weight I’d lost, and for the first time in forever, I looked healthy. I felt like a stronger version of myself.
Maggie met me for coffee to celebrate. «Look at you,» she smiled. «Grace Morrison, college student and future business mogul.»
I laughed. «Maybe not mogul, but maybe an MBA eventually. Maybe my own business.»
«How are you feeling? Really?» she asked seriously.
I thought about it. «Better than I have in years. I used to measure my worth by what I could sacrifice for Brandon. Now? I realize I had worth all along. I just forgot.»
Walking home, I passed the glass facade of Metropolitan Elite Hospital. Somewhere inside, Brandon was working. But I stopped for a moment and realized I felt nothing. No pain. No bitterness. Just peace.
My phone buzzed. It was an email from the university. I had been awarded a full tuition scholarship for non-traditional students who had overcome hardship.
I smiled, pocketed my phone, and walked toward my apartment. Toward my future. I had spent six years building someone else’s dream. Now, it was time to build my own. And this time, the foundation was solid, because it was built on my own worth.
That was enough. That was everything.