The dream I thought I wanted – living in California with my ex, the new exercises and dance moves I wanted to try – were all completely put on hold.
I watched a lot of shows while recovering from my knee injury, but none of them stood out as much as Game of Thrones. I started watching the series shortly after my surgery and it carried me through those months, transporting me to another world full of intrigue, danger and endless knowledge.
Like many, I was immediately attracted Daenerys Targaryen. I already knew how her story ended; I remember how shocked and scared my friends were when the finale aired.
I would never compare my situation to Dani's. I didn’t even feel especially sorry for myself then; I could still live in New York and could order Lyfts and DoorDash.
All the time I was watching Game of ThronesI was also mostly horizontal. Not because I was lying in bed, but because I was actually doing physical therapy the entire time I was watching the show.
I was completely captivated. I finally understood why Game of Thrones caused such a craze.
Characters like Brianna Tarth, Ygritte and Tyrion Lannister still live in my heart.
I was prepared for the quality to drop over the last few seasons as well, but I wasn't too disappointed when I saw Jon Snow return from the dead.
All this time I continued to prepare for Dani's fall. I thought I'd had enough disappointments. I could handle this. And I felt for her as I watched her slowly fall into madness and exhaustion.
But then there was an episode in which Dany carried out a massacre in King's Landing. Accidentally. No need. Without any good reason. And I was furious.
Because it was so random. So out of sight. I could see the patterns that led me into toxic relationships that led to the inevitable breakup. I could believe that this was all part of some larger plan. But there was no greater plan behind what happened to Dany and her decision to brutally kill all the people she had been fighting for all along.
I think what happened to Daenerys angered me more than my own tear and knee injury combined.
After I finished, my knee took a little longer to heal Game of Thrones. But eventually it healed completely, allowing me to travel the world as I had long dreamed of. Now I'm in a new relationship and I'm completely over my ex.
TV shows are more than just entertainment. For many, especially when they are going through difficult times, they bring relief, bring peace, escapism and joy. They are certainly not something to rely on too much. But these are rather innocent forms of self-soothing.
I will always remember some of Daenerys' most iconic early scenes – when she hatched dragon eggs in the fire and when she was saved by Drogon. These scenes remind me that we can always rise from the ashes.
Despite the ending, I still think Game of Thrones Well worth a watch – unless you don't mind a strong dose of violence and sex – and I don't regret watching it one bit. This is wonderful high fantasy, wild, imaginative and heartbreaking, just like the best stories.
In fact, I might just have to watch it again. And at least we have House of the Dragon, a show where we already know the characters are morally wrong. Perhaps it's something Targaryen. Or maybe it's a matter of life.
