Chapter 14 - THE ANNIVERSARY I CELEBRATED ALONE
On what would have been my sixth wedding anniversary, I took myself to dinner.
Not the same restaurant.
Not another expensive place designed to impress strangers.
A small neighborhood restaurant near the lake.
I wore a red dress.
Ordered my favorite pasta.
And asked for chocolate cake.
The waiter smiled.
“Celebrating something?”
I thought for a moment.
“Yes.”
“Birthday?”
I shook my head.
“A new beginning.”
He grinned.
“That's worth celebrating.”
I sat beside the window watching the evening light fade over Lake Michigan.
My phone buzzed.
Clara.
Happy freedom anniversary.
I laughed.
Another message arrived.
Adrian.
Hope you're having a lovely evening. No need to reply. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.
I smiled.
Then put the phone away.
Tonight was mine.
When the cake arrived, it had a single candle.
The waiter had added it without asking.
“For your new beginning,” he said.
I laughed.
“Thank you.”
I looked at the flame.
For years, I had believed happiness meant being chosen.
Being wanted.
Being someone's first priority.
But somewhere along the way, I had forgotten that I could choose myself.
I closed my eyes.
Made a wish.
Then blew out the candle.
I took the first bite.
It was delicious.
And nobody at the table was waiting to see whether I would tolerate being humiliated.
Because I was sitting alone.
Happily.
May you like
Completely.
On my own terms.
