I love crying into an espresso martini

and why it feels so good.

There are years that ask questions and years that answer. - Zora Neale Hurston

I still remember turning six and proudly telling everyone I was twelve. Back then, I doubled my age to match how I felt. There’s a term for this: age compression. It’s the feeling that you’re living far ahead of your years, shaped by the pressures of family, culture, or even your own expectations. I convinced myself I was strong. I never cried: when my best friend moved away to Alaska or when my hamster died. Instead, I gave her all my favourite Pokémon cards and held a funeral that was only fitting for a small prince.