The past few days have been hazy for me. Trying not to get lost in the daze of emotions has been tough. Derek called and left a message while I took a nap one day. “Stay home, focus on your health. I’ve cleared it with all the appropriate channels.” I’m going to use up all of my sick and vacation days at this point. But I didn’t bother Derek with my own phone call. Instead, I just sent him a text with a thumbs up. “You know you can’t solve all your problems while hiding away in bed, right?” Annie comes over one day during her lunch break, offering some soup from one of her favorite places. “I’m not a teenager anymore,” I reply, taking the plastic to-go container with a small smile. “You’re not, no. But ever since Ryan wanted a di

