Unfolding

This is a complete nightmare"

Deya stared at the uneven streaks of paint across her wall, her chest sinking. She thought painting would be easy, fun even a fresh start for her. But now it just looked... wrong, it was a disaster!"What did I even expect"

"

I didn't think this through, did I?" she muttered under her breath, dragging her hand down her face. "If I just redo it, maybe it'll be fine."

Her soft voice was flat, not convincing even to herself. She dropped the roller with a thud and let out a long breath. Not for me. "Forget it. I'll try again later."

Turning away, she slumped down by the window. The skyline stretched before her, glowing, flickering lights were everywhere they looked dreamy but all she could feel was the weight of her own letdown. Everyone else probably saw this city as full of chances. She only saw her own mess reflected back at her.

She reached for her journal, flipping to a blank page, pen in her hand.

To the pages that hold me,

Today I am officially independent. This was my plan - to own a place the day I turned eighteen. And it happened. It's mine. Finally mine!

I can't stop smiling every time I say it. This little house may be small, but it feels alive, like it's waiting for me to fill it with me with who I am. I can almost see the walls covered in memories that don't exist yet and maybe some I already cherish. This is my fresh start. My clean slate. The place where I get to bloom, where words will dance, where I'll finally glow the way I've always wanted to.

And maybe... maybe it's also where I learn to let go of what's behind me. Because I can't carry it here, not anymore.