Mom hugged me so hard I was sure she would break something.
"Syd," she whispered, "you are amazing."
"No," I whispered back. "I'm whole. It makes a difference."
I was still getting used to the other two people in my head even though they were so much a part of me it was hard to tell us apart. Still. I'd have to be careful who I told about the voices.
Straightjacket, anyone?
In the meantime, the family gathered around me, their happiness and relief so comfortable I wanted to hug them all one at a time.
"Whatever happens," I raised my voice so they could all hear me, "no one can screw up. Leaving town is no longer an option."
Laughter. They laughed. Wow, how cool was that?
I did get hugs, first from Gram, then Dad, then Gram again who kissed my cheek and smiled so wide I laughed at h
