I am poised, crouched, at the edge of the precipice. The sun has come up, streaming light and life into the valley below. I stretch out my wings to their span and feel the morning breeze tickle my feathers. After a long moment’s hesitation, I spring out, and am airborne. I feel the release, the freedom, the exhilaration and joy as I fly out, away from what I know and love and understand.
At the same time, fear of what lies ahead does have a gentle hold on me. I have lost forever the vision of a white picket fence, the perfect and pure marriage with M. I do not know yet what I have truly gained, besides my freedom.