What a charming story, words! I love how the lesson is brought out so subtly and yet well remembered.

You have so many gorgeous and descriptive details in here. Like: >> The words simmered at the tip of my tongue, a million little stories and excuses waiting to be unleashed.

The one small thing I’d say is the quote didn’t fully link back for me. Maybe in the little lies details and stuff, but not the happiness quote. That said, it was tough to shoehorn in!