Chapter 12: The Truth
That night, I wrote them a longer message.
I love you all. But for years I have been the person who makes Christmas happen while everyone else enjoys it. I have been the cook, the cleaner, the gift buyer, the bed maker, the problem solver. I did it because I love you. But I am tired. This year, I need a Christmas that belongs to me. I hope you can understand.
I sent it and turned off my phone.
The truth was finally out.
I had spent decades being the strong one.
The dependable one.
The one who never said no.
I had done it after losing my husband.
I had done it while grieving.
I had done it while no one asked if I was okay.
The truth was that I was tired.
The truth was that I deserved more.
The truth was that love should not only flow in one direction.
May you like
I sat on the balcony and cried quiet tears of relief.
The truth had set me free.
