I kept thinking about all the times I’d chosen Lily over myself. All the vacations I’d postponed. The promotions I’d turned down because they required travel. The life I’d built around being there for a child who wasn’t legally mine.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I had to grip the steering wheel to steady myself.
It was a small salon next to a regional airport.
I kept thinking about all the times I’d chosen Lily over myself.
I sat there for a full minute, convinced I’d lost my mind.
Then I saw her.
Lily was standing near the entrance, hands shoved into her jacket pockets, shoulders hunched. She was nervous, watching the doors as if she were afraid I wouldn’t show up.
I got out of the car on legs that barely held me.
“Lily.”
She waved. “Come here.”
I sat there for a full minute, convinced I’d lost my mind.
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