He Said Someone Like Him Would Never Date Me — So I Made Sure He Never Would

taken back something tangible. But what I’d really reclaimed was my agency.

Two days later, Tessa messaged from a new number: I didn’t know about you. He lied to me about everything.

I stared at it. Then: I believe you. He did the same to me.

A pause. Then: I ended it.

We met once, at a quiet café on the edge of downtown. She looked different—not undone,continue reading …