Meeting with a monster

Cole

I stare at the house for a second as I contemplate whether I should turn back. I’ve been sitting here for the last twenty minutes, and although I have to do this, I always promised myself I wouldn’t enter this place again. It’s filled with so many horrible memories I wish I could bury—memories of her abuse and my inability to protect her all those years. Her smile pops into my head, and I can’t help the joy and peace it brings me. I never thought I would be lucky enough to see that smile again. After that night, I ran away because I couldn’t face her. I couldn’t face the hatred that would be in her eyes when she looked at me. But she smiled at me. She doesn’t hate me. She doesn’t love you anymore, either. A voice says in my head, crushing the joy I felt earlier. That’s right; she doesn’t love me. She’s in love with someone else. I am happy she found love, and from how he acts, it’s clear he loves her, too. I am happy for her. Or I want to be happy for her.