Trading Stars for Streetlights

They tell you to reach for the stars. They never tell you how much it costs when you fall.

I learned that the hard way.

Nobody talks about the exact moment you realize you can't afford your own dreams anymore. Walking away wasn't a big, dramatic choice-it was just survival. I chose a quiet, boring life under regular old streetlights because it was safe. It kept me fed. It kept me numb.

It was a perfect plan. Until they showed up again.

Now, the ordinary routine I built feels like a joke. And I'm left wondering if I actually saved myself, or if I just gave up too soon.