“She loved you.”
“I know that now.”
“Then why are you punishing me for something she said?”
“Because it was easier than admitting I hated myself.”
The honesty in her voice stopped me.
For the first time, I saw the fear beneath her resentment.
She had spent years comparing herself to me, then blaming me for the comparison.
“I never wanted you to feel that way,” I said.
“You didn’t have to want it.
You just had to keep winning.”
“I wasn’t competing with you.”
“You never had to.”
We sat in silence.
Then Kayla looked down at her phone.
“Daniel said he’d call tonight.”
“Don’t answer.”
“I need to tell him I can’t do this anymore.”
“Then send one message saying you won’t communicate further, and let the lawyer know if he threatens you.”
“He’ll be furious.”
