PART 16

The most difficult part of leaving was not the paperwork.

It was the little habits that kept urging me to make myself smaller.

I would reach for the least expensive item at the grocery store, even when I could afford something better.

I would lower the television volume before realizing that Vance wasn’t there to complain.

When a delivery arrived late, I found myself rehearsing an explanation for someone who no longer lived with me.

Leila noticed those habits before I did.