The night they tried to throw me out of my own life was the night I finally walked into it.

I didn’t lose my husband.

I lost the illusion that he was worthy of being one.

I didn’t lose my family.

I discovered who deserved to be called family.

I didn’t lose my home.

I reclaimed it.

And I didn’t lose my future.

I saved it.

The last firework faded over the city.

Noah whispered, “Mom, it’s pretty.”

I looked at the empty place where the old dining table had once stood.

Then I looked at my son.

“Yes,” I whispered.

“It really is.”

And this time, the new year was mine.

THE END