Chapter 16 - The Winter Approaches
As November rolled in, a familiar chill returned to the Ohio air.
The first snow flurries began to fall, dusting my garden in a light coat of white.
Normally, the approaching winter would have sent me into a spiral of PTSD and anxiety.
I had spent months dreading the cold, terrified that the physical sensation would bring back the horrors of that night.
But as I stood on my porch, wrapped in a thick wool sweater, I felt surprisingly calm.
I held a steaming mug of tea in my scarred hands, feeling the comforting heat seep into my damaged nerves.
The cold was just weather.
It was no longer a weapon wielded against me by the men I had trusted.
I had a warm house, a secure bank account, and a life filled with people who genuinely loved me.
I watched the snow fall, finding a strange beauty in the quiet stillness of the neighborhood.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts.
It was Victoria, my divorce attorney.
"Hey Elena, just calling to give you an update," she said cheerfully.
"The final liquidation of Robert's old corporate assets came through."
"There's an additional fifty thousand dollars being transferred into your account tomorrow."
I smiled, taking a sip of my hot tea.
"Thank you, Victoria. I think I'm going to use it to start a scholarship fund at the shelter."
"That sounds perfect," she agreed. "You've won, Elena. Enjoy your peace."
I hung up the phone and took a deep breath of the crisp winter air.
May you like
She was right.
I had won.
