Growth is uncomfortable.

That’s what Income Tax said as he gently pushed my cart toward the ice cream. I could feel the cold air on my fur. I considered fainting.

The therapist said exposure builds resilience. So I stood there. Between the peas and the frozen waffles. Breathing.

Every time someone opened the freezer door, I whispered, “It’s just temperature, not destiny.”

After three hours, I bought a bag of frozen mangoes. I have not opened them.

But I did not run.