I claimed a new identity when I took your last name.

My hope was that it would be something we’d build upon together

but instead I made it my own thing.

The one who I’m proud of.

That one who is smart and savvy.

The one who feels comfortable in her own skin.

The one who is the boss.

I can’t say I’m glad for the suffering it caused me

but I thank you just the same.

The death of us meant the rebirth of me.