“No. I don’t hate you. I just 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’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 parole, fines and community service. His platforms and sponsorships disappeared, ending the channel that had rewarded his cruelty.
That afternoon, Grant and I sat on Aunt May’s porch to watch the orange and pink light spread over the water.
“How do you feel?” 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 it is.”
Six months later, we bought a small house together. Our names appeared in all documents because neither of them believed that a society required a person to disappear.
