Despite the 100 degree weather soaking down my back, a sickening chill hovered over my shoulders, the lack of no phone call or visits weighed down on my heavy heart as I exited the store, birthday presents to myself burdened my arms.

Who would’ve thought my life would drop down like this, farther than I had ever imagined, plunging deep into the depths of loneliness and unknown. What was this lif...