No forgiveness

Katie just doesn’t understand. It’s far too easy for her to ask you to just forget about whatever happened back then. She didn’t go through what you did. She didn’t have years of her life tarnished by someone else’s cruelty. You shake your head. “You don’t understand. I’m not sure there’s anyone I’ve ever hated as much as Brian. He made my life hell back then.” You say, your heartbeat picking up as you remember all the insults, all the ****. Being an outcast. Being laughed at. You start to speak without thinking. “You don’t know what I went through. I don’t like to talk about it. I don’t want to talk about it. But you don’t have the right to just tell me to forget about my past. That’s not fair.” You say, your tone becoming indignant.

Katie seems to deflate slightly, her expression sad. She forces a comforting smile. “I’m sorry honey. You’re right. I wasn’t there, so- I wouldn’t know.” She said, seeming to choose her words carefully. “I didn’t realize how much this stuff was still affecting you. I didn’t mean to make you upset.” She said. It was obvious she was trying to backpedal, that your reaction wasn’t what she’d expected or hoped for. Oh well. At least you’d made your feelings known. Honesty was the best policy, right? “Maybe if you sat down and talked with him, that would help you get some closure?” She suggested, her tone gentle and soothing. She could tell this was a sensitive subject for you.