The next morning, Debbie woke up with puffy eyes but a slightly lighter heart. She decided to do something different, even if it was small. She pulled out her laptop and searched for free online courses. If she couldn't afford formal education or fancy experiences, she could still learn something new.
She enrolled in a course on personal development, hoping it might give her tools to navigate her emotional turmoil. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
As she watched the first few videos, Debbie felt a tiny spark of interest. The course talked about self-worth, about finding value in oneself regardless of external validation.
The words resonated deeply with her.
She realized that her life didn't have to revolve around Pasco or anyone else. She could create a new narrative, one where she was the main character.