Seven counts of aggravated assault. Attempted murder. Obstruction. Bribery. Harassment. Needless to say, he waived his right to trial and pleaded guilty. There were just too many charges to fight, all carrying the weight of years behind bars.

At sentencing, he looked like hell. Like he’d already been getting a taste of his own medicine—limping, face bruised, lip swollen.

Serves him right.

I still remember the moment I stood in that courtroom. Every eye was on me as I gave my impact statement.

My palms were sweating, but I didn’t flinch. I looked that man dead in the eye and said, “You kept me quiet. Trapped in a life that nearly killed me. But you didn’t break me. You couldn’t. I clawed my way out, and now you’ll be rotting in a cage while I’ll be living free.”

He’s gone for a long time. And for once, justice feels real.

The town’s cleaning house, and his family’s next.

“Is everything okay?” Krista asks, pulling me from my thoughts as we sit in the car.

I blink, rereading the email, then let out a stunned laugh. “Oh, sorry… I uh…I think I just got my job back.”

Krista’s face lights up, and she hugs me tight. “That’s amazing! When I first moved here, everyone raved about how incredible a teacher you were. I’m so glad your life is falling back into place. I hope mine does, too.”

“It will.” I gently squeeze her hand. “You have an entire group of friends and family cheering you on now. You may not get back what you had, but I promise, you’ll get more than what you ever imagined.” I wink.

Together, we walk into my therapist, Dr. Watkins’, office.

Once inside, I introduce them. “Krista, when I was at my lowest, after I was arrested and grieving, the hurt just kept coming. I was court-ordered to take anger management or face jail time. I was sent to Dr. Watkins, and after just one session, he told me I wasn’t someone who needed anger management. He said I was just someone who needed to be seen, heard, and believed in.”

Krista listens intently as I continue. “Even when I lost my job, my insurance, and my faith in everything, I still had Dr. Watkins. And that made all the difference. He always believed I’d get to this point. He believed I’d soar past this point. Now, I believe it, too. I believe in myself now. So, you’re in good hands.”

Dr. Watkins smiles warmly, extending a hand toward Krista. “It’s nice to meet you, Krista. Are you ready to find your smile again?”