I decided to excuse myself.

I needed air—or maybe just a moment to breathe without the weight of a thousand unspoken emotions pressing down on me. My heels clicked softly against the polished floor as I made my way to the female restroom. The closer I got, the faster my heart beat, as though it knew this was a moment for reflection, a private confrontation with myself.

Once inside, I leaned over the sink, pressing my palms against the cool porcelain, staring at my reflection. My eyes traced ...