#Chapter 24 Blessing

I wonder at this new version of myself staring back at me in the mirror. Flexing my hands and turning my ankles in circles, I lean into this body that feels unfamiliar even if it feels unquestionably like me. I look inward to Blaze, not even sure what questions to ask, but I’m distracted as I realize how weak she feels inside me. Don’t worry, she reassures. She’s always reassuring me, comforting me, taking care of me. Even before I understood how much she was doing. I didn’t realize my first ever run would tire me out like this, she explains. Quick to get ahead of my next thought, she continues. Then I stayed alert while you rested to make sure we were truly safe. I’m not sure how long I’ve been resting, but I can only imagine how exhausted Blaze must be. For once, I’m the one to reassure her, letting her know how great I feel. Letting her know it’s her turn to rest. I feel Blaze curl up inside me in gratitude, her eyelids closing gradually. Her words echo in my mind: “to