i may forgive, but i will never sit at that table again. i can let go of the anger, but i won't forget how it felt to be disrespected, unheard, and taken for granted. forgiveness doesn't mean giving people the same access they once had. it just means i'm choosing my peace over holding onto pain. and i've learned that protecting myself is just as important as loving others. i won't put myself back in places that broke me, no matter how familiar they feel. some doors stay closed for a reason. i've finally made peace with walking away and not looking back at what once hurt me anymore.