SPECIAL ### TEN: OPHELIA COTTONWOOD

The silence in my house was heavy as I folded my last dress and placed it in the box. Each piece of clothing held memories, but they felt distant now.

The box was full, and I closed it with a sense of finality. I lifted it, its weight grounding me, and carried it to the corner of the room.

Placing it down gently, I stepped back and took in my surroundings. This was the last time I would see this place.

I turned and waltzed out to the backyard garden. The ...