IT STARTED WITH MY MORNING COFFEE.

An hour later, I noticed a roach skitter across the bathroom floor while I was getting ready for work. It moved fast, confident in its territory.

I didn’t scream or try to swat it.

I took a picture.

Trying to be respectful of my roommates, I wrote. They were here first.

I posted that too.

I NOTICED A ROACH SKITTER ACROSS THE BATHROOM FLOOR.

My posts continued on the second day — still calm, still relentlessly honest.

See, I’d decided to push back against Jake and Lorraine’s attempts to hide me away by refusing to be hidden.

I had other plans in motion too, but this was the most crucial part.

I posted a photo of a thin sleeping bag I’d laid carefully on top of the bed, because I couldn’t bring myself to touch the comforter.

I think I’ll sleep better this way, I captioned it.

I COULDN’T BRING MYSELF TO TOUCH THE COMFORTER.

I posted a picture I’d taken the previous day of the window at dusk, neon lights flickering outside, casting strange shadows across the water-stained ceiling.

Free entertainment.🕺

I then shared a shot of a small patch of green pushing through a crack beneath the sink, stubborn and alive despite everything.

I have an indoor plant! 🥹