But most of all, I started to really relish my newfound life. Everything felt different. It was like I had been sitting in this daze for the last couple of years, my mind addled and my motivation sapped. After my mom and I returned home, my dad gathered us in the living room. It was the first time we had all been together and sober. Tears welled up in his eyes as he talked to us. “I’m so glad,” he said, “that we feel like a family again.” He smiled at my mom, and touched her cheek. “That I can sleep at night and feel peace.” They moved back into the master bedroom together. It made me happy to see them so enthusiastic about their life together. I continued going to AA meetings, where I’d meet up with Vicky and chat with her. I started seeing a therapist, who eventually got me started with some anti-depressants, with the promise that I would be shocked at the turn around. Aaron was amazingly supportive, which made me feel foolish for thinking he wouldn’t be.
