With Dave

Lisa.

I had been here for two months, struggling with insomnia as my dreams constantly replayed the trauma I endured. Despite Dave’s kindness, I couldn’t bring myself to meet his family. I stayed locked in my room, thinking about how Finn could be happy with his newlywed wife and consumed by thoughts of revenge.

“Hello, baby girl.” Dave’s voice broke through as he entered. “How are you feeling today?”

“Hmm, better than yesterday,” I replied.

“Glad to hear it. I’m here to check on you.”

“Thank you,” I managed to say, offering a faint smile. Dave approached, drawing me into an embrace. His words and actions felt suffocating.

“You smell good,” he murmured after a sniff.

Without hesitation, I pushed him away.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Guilt washed over me. Why was I repelling him? He wasn’t the one who betrayed me. Why punish him for another’s transgressions?

“You don’t need to apologize. You did nothing wrong,” I muttered. “I’m sorry.”

“I understand, baby