Legs, now fully supporting my weight, spin me around, and I dash into the bathroom. Light was just beginning to peek through the small window as I passed, so I know it’s morning. I’ve not had much sleep at all, but I don’t feel tired anymore.

I strip out of my old clothes and turn the shower spray on.

I step under the stream of warm water and close my eyes.

Pressing my palms against the tiled wall, I allow a few tears to fall. But I keep my head down so even if they can see me in here, they won’t see me cry.

The hot water washes away my tears. When I shut the shower off, I take two deep, calming breaths that make me light-headed. I grab a towel, wrap it around my body, and step out of the shower.

That’s enough now. No more crying. Getting upset and feeling sorry for myself aren’t going to help. People have had far worse happen to them and survived.

Once I’m dry, I grab clean underwear and slip it on under the towel. It’s much harder when you’re trying to dress while holding something around you, but the show is over. They’re not getting another glimpse of my skin today.

If they’re even watching right now.

They probably are, though. Won’t they want to see the aftermath of my first time in one of those rooms?

Of course, they will. They’ll be getting off on the fact that I cried, that I was scared. I straighten my back and let the towel drop as I shimmy the sweatshirt down over my stomach.

You assholes aren’t breaking me.

I finish up in the bathroom and go to make coffee. But Theo has beaten me to it. He’s waiting for the kettle to boil. Two mugs are on the counter in front of him.

He looks up and smiles, but it’s more of a grimace. “How are you doing, Piper?”

“I’m good. You’re up early. I don’t think it’s been light for long.”

“Yeah, I woke and noticed you were gone.”

I wrap my arms around myself. “Couldn’t get back to sleep and desperately needed a shower. You didn’t have to get up.”

“That’s okay. I’m awake now. Coffee is almost ready. Do you want to sit and I’ll bring it over?”

I nod. “Theo, I do appreciate this, but I’m not going to fall apart. I really am okay.”

His eyes question me as he watches my every move. “It’s also okay not to be okay after what you’ve been through.”