I woke up and something changed. But I say that like every other day so, like, don't take me too seriously. But something inside of me stirred, awakening a small *something* inside of me. What is this?
I'm alive, I realize. I'm alive, and I know it. I splash water on my face as proof.
My life for the first time feels like it is in my hands and no one else's. My palms press against the sink as I stare into my face, and I see me, at 36, and again at 16, and 6. I see my mother and my grandmother, too.
The cycle ends now. The burden is now with me, in my two hands, to change the course of history, to spare my daughter from this maternal curse. My daughter will know love; there is no exception.














