I believe you understand now.

That was all I had.

It was enough.

PART 33 — THE PEOPLE WHO ASKED WHY I STAYED NINE YEARS

Nobody asked why I stayed after the assault.

I did not.

But people asked why I had not seen Julian’s financial desperation earlier.

Why I trusted him.

Why I went to Eleanor’s house.

Why I did not call police as soon as I saw the mortgage.