A wooden pier extends over a tranquil lake, reflecting the soft pastel hues of a serene sunset sky. There came a point when something in me went quiet and clear at the same time. Not dramatic. Not angry. Just certain. I can’t do this anymore. After being raped. After watching my mother die from metastatic breast cancer. After living inside medical systems that demanded constant vigilance, strength, and emotional steadiness. I reached the limit of my emotional availability. An
