Sophia’s words echoed: “The future isn’t scary.” Easy for her to say. She hadn’t spent years becoming exactly what they wanted, only to find herself wanting to be filled up again with something real, something true.

The sun had fully risen now, the city alive with hope for those affected. My reflection in the window showed a woman put together, polished, perfect.

Everything they’d taught me to be.

But beneath it all, doubts roiling at the edge, ready to spill over. Could I find harmony between strength and vulnerability, ambition and connection?

Another alert: “Just stay focused 😵”

The day beginning, another performance to give. But as I gathered my bag and straightened my spine, something felt different.