I wanted him to acknowledge the lies, the fear on Brielle’s face, the years of belittling my work.

But I didn’t want another argument disguised as closure.

“You hurt them,” I said.

“Please remember that before you speak to them about me.”

“I will try.”

It was not a perfect answer.

It was the one he gave.

After he left I opened the windows and let cold air move through the house.