For a few seconds after my mother said she could not congratulate me for “defying God’s will,” no one moved.

back. I did love her. That was the terrible thing. Love does not vanish because someone becomes unsafe.

But I only said, “Then stop hurting me.”

She covered her face.

The months after that were quieter, but not peaceful. Peace takes time to trust. My body remained a place of hope and fear. Every cramp scared me. Every appointment felt like a verdict. continue reading …