I used to believe my life was a fairy tale script, and that my parents, Elena and Miguel, were the authors. Ours was a relationship woven with a golden thread of trust and unconditional love. They weren’t just my parents; they were my confidants, my pillars, the anchors of my existence. When my world shook, they were there to hold it together. I grew up with the certainty that I would never be alone, because their love was a force of nature, as vast and eternal as the ocean itself.

Marrying Daniel was the culmination of this certainty. He was everything I’d ever wanted: charismatic, kind, ambitious. His approval from my parents was instant and enthusiastic. In the months leading up to the big day, our newlywed apartment was filled with the aroma of vanilla cake my mother insisted on baking, and my father’s toolbox was always open, ready for any repairs. His presence, his joy, was confirmation that I was making the right choice.

The ceremony, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Los Angeles sunset, was perfect. Dancing with my father to our favorite song and watching my mother cry tears of joy felt like the end of one perfect chapter and the beginning of another. Life seemed like one long, happy road.

But the road suddenly ended. And it wasn’t a happy ending.

It was in the middle of the party. The music was loud, and people were laughing and dancing. Daniel and I were taking pictures with our friends, and my parents were in the corner, talking to their family. I turned and saw them getting up. My mom waved at me, her face cracking with a smile, and my dad was looking at me, his face cracking with a smile.

I thought they were going to the bathroom. But they didn’t come back. And my mind was trying to understand. I walked to the corner, and their table was empty. Their glasses were full, their chairs were empty. I looked at the door, and I saw them walking away. They walked away, and I felt like I was dreaming.

I felt like a new woman. I felt strong, I felt powerful. I felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy. I wouldn’t let its cruelty destroy me. I would fight.

I felt like a new woman. I felt strong, I felt powerful. I felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy. I wouldn’t let its cruelty destroy me. I would fight.

I felt like a new woman. I felt strong, I felt powerful. I felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy. I wouldn’t let its cruelty destroy me. I would fight.

I felt like a new woman. I felt strong, I felt powerful. I felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy. I wouldn’t let its cruelty destroy me. I would fight.

My new life was just beginning.