It had been years since we last laughed together—years since we even had a real conversation. The time apart wasn’t just space; it was necessary for emotional growth. Joy filled your eyes as we reconnected, catching up on the lives we now live, the people we’ve become. You started a family—a beautiful one, I might add. “I’m an adult now,” you said with a chuckle, and I laughed because it was true. The bridge that once burned at your hands, you now seek to rebuild. But rebuilding requires more than just intention. After careful inspection, a new foundation must be laid before the piers and support can take shape.

Dear Reader,

If I’m being completely honest, the house we once built stood on seeds of discord—seeds that took root, cracked the foundation, and ultimately caused the collapse. I’ve learned that history alone isn’t enough to keep people connected, nor is convenience a reason to stay. If a house is built on shaky ground, is it worth rebuilding, or is it better to walk away and start anew? How do you know when a connection is worth restoring and when it’s time to let go?