175 Moving Forward

(Winona)

I wake up to the sound of Cass’s quiet snoring from the pull-out couch. She’s still out like a light. The room is dim, but I can tell we’ve slept later than I usually do. A quick glance at my phone confirms it’s almost 10 AM.

I feel surprisingly refreshed. Maybe it’s the change of scenery, or maybe it’s the fact that, for the first time in years, I’m not running away from my past—I’m facing it head-on.

I stretch out, careful not to make a noise and disturb Mom, who’s still sound asleep in the bed next to mine. She looks peaceful, almost like the years have melted away, and she’s the mom I used to dream about having.

A mom who wasn’t buried under layers of addiction and despair.

But this is reality, not a dream. And in reality, there’s work to be done to move us all forward. I quietly slip out of bed and head into the bathroom to freshen up. As I splash water on my face, I start thinking about what needs to happen next.

Cass will need some direction, and Mom... Well, I’ll find