I placed the phone on my ear, hyperventilating on the inside. My palms were getting sweaty, and I had a hard time breathing. Thankfully my therapist picked up after a few rings. "Hey, I'm a mess."
"Okay, breathe."
"I'm trying to," I squeaked out. "I... I saw him, Miranda. I saw Ace. And now I'll be attending Aisha's destination wedding. He's with someone else and I'll see him with her every-day."
"Listen, relax. Calm down. What do we tell ourselves in such situations, Ava?"
"I--I don't know. Don't let your past define you?"
"Yes. And?"
"It is okay to care, and to hurt. As long as you don't let it break you."
"Absolutely. You'll be fine, Ava. Trust me. You're one of the strongest women I've ever met. You're confident, beautiful, and you do not let your trauma define you. Going could
