Right before my wedding day, I stopped by my future mother-in-law’s house. As I was leaving, I realized I had forgotten my cardigan

Not because I hated him.

Because my peace did not require his relief.

A month later, I moved into the Lincoln Park condo alone.

The unit was empty except for an air mattress, a folding chair, two mugs, and the first box of books I carried in myself. Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The hardwood floors gleamed. From the balcony, I continue reading …