they weren't lying when they said you wake up one day and just don't care anymore. one day the memories stop hurting the way they used to. the songs, the places, the little things that once made your chest feel heavy suddenly feel quiet. you don't feel the need to check on them or wonder what they are doing. you stop replaying old conversations in your head. the questions slowly disappear. the pain that once followed you everywhere finally gets tired and leaves. and in that moment, you realize something simple but powerful: you didn't lose yourself when they left. you just needed time to find peace again.