- 13.
Mark didn’t leave.
From the moment I got up to speak, his eyes
never left me.
He was in shock, confused, and almost
admiring.
He probably couldn’t believe that the person he had been putting down was successful.
After the meeting, Mark waited for me.
He looked down, looking insecure. “Jen, I
didn’t know you were ‘Peaceful.“”
“You stood on stage like someone else. I
didn’t even recognize you.”
୮
“Jen…” Mark took a deep breath and
continued “You are amazing.”
I used to be thrilled when I heard this.
After working hard and going against my will,
I had finally earned his approval.
But now I didn’t care.
I didn’t need it.
Now, I knew that I was awesome.
Not because someone else approved, but
because I was.
I told Mark that he was amazing.
He asked if I would come back to him.
“I won’t say those things to you anymore.”
I didn’t respond. “Do you know why I left you?”
“Since leaving you, I can eat slowly, wear a skirt, and my stories are popular.”
Mark paled.
I was a meticulous person, and I liked to explain things. I looked up and opened my
mouth.
“I’m not telling you all this to rub it in, but as
things stand now, I really hope you
understand one thing.”
L
“I want to say something that will make it
easier for you to give up.”
I interrupted him, smiling.
“Since leaving you, I know that the world is
inclusive.”
“I don’t want to be controlled by you
anymore.”
