The monster didn't vanish in a puff of smoke. It didn't turn into a radiant angel. It simply stepped forward and merged with him. Elias felt a cold rush flood his chest, followed immediately by a wave of heat. The tension in his shoulders dropped. The fake smile he had worn all night slipped away, leaving his face looking older, but more real.
What loss have you never fully grieved because you told yourself you "should be over it" or "it wasn't that bad"?
What is something you genuinely want but have never allowed yourself to pursue because it would contradict your identity or risk shame?
