I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to teaching. I earned my master’s degree, every certification under the sun, and I was president of the student-teacher social committee. I was Teacher of the Year for three years in a row. Three years for crying out loud! Not to mention, I’ve tutored students at the rec nearly every weekend for the past ten years! Teaching is my life! But my criminal record has suddenly emerged as an issue and overshadowed everything I’ve worked so hard for. Nowadays, all people ever do is judge.

“I know!” I let out a defeated sigh, my chest tightening.

Kiera stops stuffing envelopes and levels with me. “You know who’s behind this, right?”

“No,” I reply, but the uncertainty in my voice betrays me.

She crosses her arms, tilting her head with a pointed glare. “Oh, come on, Kerry. There’s no way you believe this has nothing to do with him.”

“Cory?” I ask, my throat tightening as I say his name. “No. No way. It’s been nearly two years since the divorce. And months since I last heard from him. He won, I lost. Why would he wanna take anything else from me?”

“Your ex-husband absolutely did this to you.” Serena scoffs, her voice rising an octave. “You’re still happy, and Cory Martin is still a cowardly little slimeball who gets off on making you miserable. He’s been on his high horse ever since he was named Superintendent. He wants you to crawl back to him and beg for a job. He tried to steal your joy, but you kept smiling. He tried to make this town hate you, but we loved you even harder. He tried to put you away, but you’re free. And now he’s trying to destroy your career, but it won’t work.

Kiera nods solemnly, her brow furrowed. “He thrives on control. You know that better than anyone. And he’s taken the most cruel and absurd measures to ensure no one would ever hire you. I hate him, Kerry. I hate him so much.”

As much as I hate to admit it, my girls are right. Cory’s still trying to control me, still trying to destroy me. He had to have the final word in every aspect of our marriage. He dang near ran my life, and when he realized he couldn’t break me, it infuriated him.

I had to get out. So, I chose to be free rather than frightened. I left him with everything except my joy and dignity. I kept that intact, which is why my name fits. I’m kind.

Kerry Kind.