“‘Only $300?’ My Father Laughed, Until the Numbers Finally Spoke for Themselves”

My friend Rachel came over with takeout. Marisol showed up with wine and a grin. Friends from my Zoom sessions sent a group video, everyone holding up mugs that said CONFIDENTIAL like it was a badge of honor.

I looked around my apartment—white sheets, citrus rosemary air, furniture arranged exactly how I liked it—and felt something new. Not detox. continue reading …