CHAPTER HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOUR

How have we pictured life for ourselves? How much do we let the past dictate our future?

For the longest time, I held onto pain, self-loathing, anger and hate. They were my compass to navigate life. It was my driving force, yet it held me back for so long.

To receive love, I had to let go. Even after receiving it, I still needed to hold onto it. To hold on, I also had to let someone else in.

I forgave. I forgave myself and I forgave my parents.

Going to therapy was the best thing I could do for myself. It served as an outlet for me and I still went there on occasions, though no longer as frequent.

When I got accepted as a student, I never expected to find Jared. Neither did I expect to meet the people I did.

Aly, Jared, Aarav, Matt, Ashley, Vanessa, Jack, Becka, Rami… These were all people that shaped me, one way or the other, regardless of their intentions

I got up from the bed after laying awake for over an hour. Jared was sleeping by my side and I smiled at him. He seemed so