The letter was only two pages.
Neat. Controlled. Almost calm.
You ruined our lives, it began.
Kiara’s hands didn’t shake.
You made me into a monster in that courtroom. You always needed attention. I hope you’re happy with yourself.
Marissa reached for the letter gently. “You don’t have to finish it.”
Kiara continued reading.
There were no apologies.
Only blame.
Only revision.
One day you’ll remember the good parts and realize you overreacted.
Kiara exhaled slowly and folded the letter.
“He still thinks I belong to him,” she said quietly.
“Yes,” Marissa replied. “He probably always will.”
Kiara looked up.
“But that doesn’t make it true.”
The prison issued a no-contact enforcement warning after Kiara’s attorney filed a formal complaint. Derek’s communication privileges were restricted.
It was the last direct message Kiara ever received from him.
But his shadow lingered in subtler ways.
At the grocery store one evening, a man with similar build and haircut turned down the aisle toward her.
Her breath caught.
Her hands went cold.
It wasn’t him.
It couldn’t be.
But her body didn’t care about logic.
She left her cart and walked outside, sitting in her car until the shaking stopped.
