Jessa

Of all the nights I thought would make me nervous, I never expected this one to feel so… quiet.

Not quiet like empty.

Quiet like something sacred was happening and I didn’t want to interrupt it.

My bedroom was warm with the soft yellow glow of the lamp on my dresser. The mirror reflected a version of me that still felt a little unreal—hair half done, dress hanging on the closet door like it was waiting for permission to exist, nerves fluttering low in my stomach.

Mom ...