I contemplated opening the door and letting them see me. Just swinging it wide and standing there, looking directly at Lila so she could choke on her words. I wanted, God, I wanted, to see her face when she realizes the person she was tearing apart was standing right there. Would she still continue? Would her mouth still run like a faulty tap?

A part of me was itching for that showdown.

But I couldn’t.

I froze.

Then I walked away with tears already burning my eyes.

I didn’t even ...