It reminded me that I had the right to decide what mattered to me.
I hadn’t included it in Tara’s bag.
And nobody had asked why.
I kissed Nora’s forehead and gently placed her in the bassinet.
Then I picked up the green dress.
I smoothed the fabric.
Straightened the belt.
And carefully returned it to its hanger.
I still loved that dress.
I might never wear it again.
But that didn’t mean someone else was entitled to take it.
Downstairs, Nick called out.
“Anna, would you like some tea?”
I smiled.
“Yes, please. I’ll be down in a minute.”
I closed the closet door and walked downstairs.
Our marriage wasn’t perfect.
Our family hadn’t magically forgotten what happened.
But we were building something more honest than the life we’d had before.
And I finally understood the difference between giving something away and having it taken from you.
