His words cause so much bittersweet pain in my heart. Elation combined with a crushing, overwhelming ache. Not because his words have hurt me but because they are exactly what I’ve needed to hear after so long. They’re a healing balm, a tiny start at making me feel whole again.  

I wrap myself around him, pushing my head against his chest, and listen to the sound of his heart beating faster than usual, his breath labored. My story has affected him physically. His body is tense. I ...