Weight lifted
My stepfather’s disappearance felt like a weight removed from the house. The suffocating atmosphere he had carried with him had vanished, replaced by lightness and possibilities. I went about the space with a renewed sense of ownership and independence. The walls and furniture all felt altered, as if they recognized the transfer in authority. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt at home.
Weight Lifted
Changing locks
Over the next three days, I hired a locksmith to replace all of the locks on the house. It was an important step to ensure that my stepdad couldn’t simply walk back in. The locksmith worked quickly and explained each lock’s new security features. I watched, feeling relieved with each turn of his instruments. This act strengthened my control over the house, making it a safer environment for me.
Changing Locks
