Confidence

Addies life hadn’t been easy. Far from it actually. Her mothers death led her down a far different path than she’d thought possible. Owen had checked out as a parent after that. She’d a somewhat strained relationship with her older brother Riley. They were thirteen years apart after all. They were at different points in their lives. They hadn’t been close to begin with. He was already out of the house by the time she was in middle school. It’d been something she regretted not cultivating more. She didn’t know how to make that happen though. So she let things be.

She’d been openly Lesbian since High School. Riley was the only one in her family that seemed to love her for who she is. Owen didn’t even acknowledge it even when he was asked about it. His only response being “I don’t know” leaving people to just not ask him anything anymore. They’d realized he wasn’t ever going to be accepting of her. Something she’d known already. She’d moved to South Florida in her mid twenties. She’d gotten close to her dads side of the family. She’d gone no contact with her mother’s side of the family ten years after moving back home. They’ let their actions speak for them. So she’d let hers do the same.

The confrontational argument between her and her mother’s side of the family had become a heated one when they began making excuses. They’re gaslighting tactics had been their go to. She’d called them out and said far more than they were comfortable hearing. They didn’t seem to want to take any accountability for their actions. Present day or in the past. She asked them questions they couldn’t answer without showing how ignorantly bigoted and hypocritical they really had been. The last thing she’d told them before walking out was how ashamed some of the relatives who’d passed would be of them.

“I can’t believe I did that” Addie mentioned en route to the restaurant
“I can. I’m proud of you” Gio smiled
“Thanks. I’ve already unfriended them and know what I’ll say if anything happens. In person and online” Addie sighed
“I know what’ll happen when they’re asked about you” Gio responded
“I do too. They’re not ready for that. And I don’t care. They’ve made their bed and now they get to lie in it. My life is better without them” Addie smiled

She’d moved back to South Florida after a confrontational argument with Owen. It came after he nearly caused an accident. His mental status had come into question during the investigation. He’d been diagnosed with Dementia after being threatened with an involuntary psychiatric hold. She’d said everything he didn’t want to hear. It’d come out that he’d not been taking care of his health the way he needed to be. She didn’t care she’d be homeless after her arrival. She knew there were resources available that would help. She’d become a Speaker, Memoirist, and Freelance Writer in the year since then.

Her confidence had grown in that time. She’d been considering moving to Colorado for a while. A new adventure that would take her far away from the state that’d never loved her. Far away from people that’d let their actions speak for her. Many of the people she’d grown up with had sided with Owen despite everything. That she should’ve done more to care for him. Her only response being that she’d not be able to take care of him. That the ALF he’d been placed in was the best thing for him. It was the safest option. That any one of them could step up if they were so worried about his care.

She’d said everything she’d kept in when posting one social media post before taking a break from social media. Things nobody wanted to hear. Things that needed to be said. She’d turned off the comment section knowing what would happen. She’d turned on the ability for people to comment because of wanting to know what people thought. Comments that’d become split after her truthful post. She’d mentioned taking a break to focus on some things. Her move to Colorado being one of those things.

Months passed. She’d made one social media post attached to a life event saying “Moved to Colorado” letting everyone know everything. She’d become a Budtender, and successful Memoirist. That she was far happier in her current life. That she was finally at a point in her life where she was content living the life she’d made for herself. That she had no intention of ever going back to Florida. Riley had dealt with Owen’s death and its aftermath. Their relationship had strengthened after a long conversation during his first visit to Colorado to see her. They were happy with their lives.