Chapter 9
A year later.
I stood in the same office.
But it didn't feel like Michael's anymore.
It felt like mine.
I looked out the window at the Chicago skyline. The sun was setting. Golden light flooded the room.
A knock on the door.
It was Sarah, my new HR Director. Young. Sharp. Honest.
"Ms. Bennett," she said. "We have a new employee starting tomorrow. She asked if she could meet you first. She said... well, she said she read about what happened to you. And you inspired her to leave an abusive situation and start over."
I smiled.
"Send her in."
The young woman walked in. Nervous. But hopeful.
I stood up and walked around the desk. Offered her my hand.
"Welcome," I said. "I'm Claire."
She shook my hand.
"Thank you," she said. "For everything. For showing people like me that we don't have to take it. That we can stand up."
May you like
I squeezed her hand gently.
"You never have to take it," I said. "Not here. Not anywhere. Not ever again."
