I woke with my heart hammering.

At breakfast, I told Lena.

“Maybe your brain hasn’t caught up with the fact that you left,” she said.

I understood what she meant.

I was safe in my hotel room, but years of adapting to his temper had taught me to expect punishment after any disagreement.

I scheduled an appointment with a counselor Elaine had recommended.

I didn’t consider it a sign that I was failing.

I considered it one more account I’d neglected for too long: my own well-being.