I used to think life would begin when "that one" appeared. There would be breakfasts together, random trips, photos of someone holding your hand. For some reason, I always left a place for that person—in my closet, in my weekend plans, in the future.

And then I got tired of waiting.

Not even for the person. The feeling that I've finally been chosen.

Now I buy myself flowers for no reason. I go to the cinema alone if I want to watch a movie. I can cook something beautiful just because it's Wednesday and I want a nice dinner.

And the funniest thing is, I don't think it's sad anymore.

I guess growing up for me wasn't about learning to be independent. I knew how to be independent before. It's about stopping seeing loneliness as a temporary waiting room.

I don't know if someone will appear in my life tomorrow, next year, or in some other scenario I can't yet imagine.

But for the first time, I don't want to put my life on hold.

I already have a life.

It's just that right now there's only one name in the "loved ones" column, which for some reason I always forgot to write down.

Mine.