At midnight, I turned 18, and you were already waiting.
I snuck out, and we drove to New York like we were running toward freedom.
We sang, we laughed, we didn’t look back.

That night, I celebrated more than a birthday.
I celebrated survival.
I celebrated us.
No one could tell us “no” anymore,
and for once, the world felt ours.

I’d never felt more loved or free.