“No. I don’t hate you. I simply don’t belong to you anymore.”
He nodded in pain.
“I hope you become someone who doesn’t need to hurt others to feel powerful,” I added.
“I’m trying.”
I believed him, but I also understood that his future was no longer my responsibility.
Grant and I went down the courthouse stairs together.
Three days later, Brad and Chase were found guilty. They received probation, fines, and community service. Their platforms and sponsorships disappeared, shutting down the channel that had rewarded their cruelty.
That afternoon, Grant and I sat on Aunt May’s porch watching the orange and pink light spread over the water.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Free.”
He squeezed my hand.
“I’ve been thinking about staying here permanently.”
“Are you just thinking?”
“It depends on whether I have a reason.”
I smiled.
“Maybe so.”
Six months later, we bought a small house together. Our names appeared on all the documents because neither of us believed that a partnership required a person to disappear.
