Michael had saved me twice—once by loving me while he was alive, and once more by protecting me after he was gone. His love reached beyond death, built fortresses around me, and gave me the freedom to finally, finally live for myself. The people who should have protected me became the ones I needed protection from.
But Michael, Michael had thought of everything. And in doing so, he taught me the most important lesson of all: real love doesn’t demand you make yourself small. Real love builds you a fortress and hands you the keys.







