Five years of trying too hard to please.
I was done playing the fool.
Once I got home, I didn't waste a minute before I started packing.
Five years in this house was five years too many.
I had once dreamt of a life here, filled with love and partnership.
That dream had me leaving my doting parents to build a home with him in Portland.
I had put my soul into decorating every corner of our home.
Whenever I sought Aaron's input, his response was always, "Whatever makes you happy."
He treated our home like just another temporary stay.
I left a signed divorce agreement on the kitchen table.
Then, I moved back to the loft above my flower shop.
In hindsight, I'm grateful I fought for my career—it gave me a refuge when I needed it most.
By the time I was done, the morning had fully broken.
Since I had a wedding to set up that day, I decided to just head straight to work.
After I left, Aaron didn't bother to contact me.
Life without him suddenly opened up more free time than I'd ever had.
I used to split my days between taking care of him and managing the shop.
It was always a struggle.
Now, I could pour my energy into the work I loved.
That brought me a strange peace.