her friends, her neighbor, her godmother. She told Ryan and Diane the dinner was at 8. The real reservation? 7. They arrived to a full table, and no seats. Just like she once had. When Diane protested, Kira raised her glass: “You should’ve arrived on time.” That evening, Kira slept deeply for the first time in years. The next day, when Ryan demanded answers,

she calmly handed him divorce papers. Her house was hers. Her peace, too. Later, over soup and pastries, her sister said she looked different. Lighter. “I feel lighter,” Kira replied. “I don’t miss him—I miss the man I hoped he was. But now? I feel like I’ve finally come home. To myself.”