None of those moments finished it.

Healing happened quietly.

The first night I slept without checking the door twice.

The first time somebody raised their voice near me and I did not freeze.

The first time Clara touched my back and I did not instinctively move away.

The first time I drove past Eleanor’s neighborhood without my heart pounding.

The first time I heard Julian’s name and felt sadness instead of fear.

The first time I reread Chloe’s letter without anger.