They Called Me A Nobody—Until Someone Said “Welcome Back, General”

my chest was tight with emotions I couldn’t quite name.

“I’m fine,” I said automatically. Then I corrected myself, because lying to Barrett felt wrong. “No. I’m functioning. There’s a difference.”

Barrett nodded once, understanding without pity, without the performative sympathy that would have made this harder. “They don’t know,” he said. Not a question.continue reading …