My Nephew Threw My Purse in the Pool—By Morning, My Brother’s Car Was Gone

in the mountains: “I’m glad you stopped pretending.”

And I remember Ellie’s voice: “What if it had been her?”

That’s all it takes to steady me again.

They ruined one birthday. But they didn’t get this one. Or the next. Or the life that comes after.

That belongs to me.

And I finally, fully, believe that I deserve nice things.