So I walked.

Each step landed louder than the piano.

I kept my chin up though my eyes were burning.

Ezekiel took one step forward, ready to close the distance and meet me halfway, but I gave the smallest shake of my head, and he stopped.

I wanted to reach him on my own.

I had spent my whole life being handed places by my father, or denied them by him, and if he would not give me this walk, then I would take it, alone, every step of it mine.