Chapter 9
I changed every lock that night.
Front door.
Garage.
Back door.
Mailbox.
Digital codes.
Alarm passwords.
Bank passwords.
Email passwords.
The locksmith asked no questions.
Good man.
My sister Nora came over with dinner, two baseball bats, and a face that said she was hoping Daniel returned.
“He won’t,” I said.
“Shame.”
We ate cold noodles on the kitchen floor because I could not sit on the sofa yet.
Nora looked at the wedding photo turned face down on the table.
“Did she do that?”
“Probably.”
“Want me to burn it?”
“Not yet.”
“Healthy answer. Disappointing, but healthy.”
I laughed for the first time.
Then cried immediately after.
Nora pulled me into her arms.
“I know.”
“I feel stupid.”
“You trusted your husband. That’s not stupid.”
“I ignored signs.”
“That’s marriage under manipulation.”
I closed my eyes.
May you like
“Sounds expensive.”
“It is. Emotionally and legally.”
