The Fortress at the Graveside

way I was.

When I was promoted, I bought a lipstick so dark it felt like defiance.

And when I met Marcus, I finally understood what respect looked like.

He listened.

He admired competence.

He didn’t need me to shrink.

All of that stood with me at my father’s funeral, packed tightly behind my ribs as Vanessa’s voice dripped poison into the air.

She thought continue reading …