Chapter 27
Violet
The glow from our wonderful evening with Austin's parents fades quickly as we pull into my apartment. Adrian heads to the back, and I smile at Austin, still happy from how our dinner went.
“Thank you for tonight,” I whisper, feeling warm with Austin’s arms around me.
He smiles down at me, his eyes full of love. “Of course.”
As we get near the door, I see it. A dead rat on my welcome mat, a chill running down my spine as I notice a note pinned beside it. My heart races with fear and disgust.
“Austin, look!” I gasp, pointing at the rat.
Austin quickly steps forward, picks up the note, and reads it aloud:
“This will be him if you don’t let him go.”
Fear swirls within me, and Austin's expression hardens. “We need to call the police again,” he says, trying to keep his voice steady. “This isn’t over.”
“I need to call Adrian. I don't like that he is in the back alone,” I say as we run toward the back. Adrian is safe dribbling the ball like he said he would. “Adrian, come. We need to go inside now.” At my words, Adrian stops the ball and walks toward us. “What’s wrong, Mom?”
“There’s a dead rat with a note at the door.”
“What? What does the note say?”
“It doesn’t matter. We need to call the police. They need to know about it and we need to pay more attention to our surroundings. No more running to the back of the house alone.”
“Mom, I promise that I won’t leave your side. Is there a way that I can stay with you and not go to school?”
“No. You have classes. I’m going to be okay. We won’t stop living our lives because someone is doing this.” I look in my son’s eyes and give him a small smile. Reassuring him that everything will be okay. When Adrian nods, I give him a kiss on his head.
“Call Josy. I want to make sure that she is okay and see if she saw or heard something,” Austin says as I step away from Adrian.
“Okay.” I grab my phone and call her. I remember our conversation from earlier in the month. Josy was shocked and furious when I finally told her about the stalker. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she demanded, eyes blazing with anger and concern. But she was glad that I had finally confided in her, promising to help in any way she could.
A few minutes later, Austin returns with Josy in tow. “I just got here,” she says, her voice shaky. “I was at the coffee shop working on paperwork and didn’t notice anything when I came back. I wasn’t paying attention, knowing you were at Austin’s parents’ place.”
“It’s okay, Josy. Austin will call the police. This needs to stop.”
“I know. It’s terrifying,” Josy says with a shiver.
Austin calls Officer Miller who arrives quickly. They start to review the footage from the cameras that Esteban helped install. The grainy video shows a hooded figure, face obscured, placing both the rat and note at the doorstop. It's clear he knows about the cameras. His face is hidden from them and the way he walks is certain to cover his identity.
“Now we know it’s a man. He is tall and slim,” Officer Miller says, his eyes narrowing as he studies the footage.
“Yeah, but that can be anyone,” Austin replies, frustration evident in his voice.
“Patience, boy. He will make a mistake, and that’s when we’ll catch him,” Miller says calmly.
“But what if he hurts Violet or Adrian before he makes that mistake?” Austin’s voice is strained with worry.
“Or what if he hurts you?” I add, my voice trembling.
It’s clear Austin doesn’t even care about his own safety. He only cares about me and Adrian. I love that about him he always puts us first but I want him safe too. What would I do if something happened to Austin? I’ve been so happy since I met him, and I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him. I can’t lose him now.
Why is it that when I’m finally happy, the universe conspires against me? What have I done to deserve this? Haven’t I suffered enough?
Austin shakes his head, dismissing my worries. “He won’t approach me. This dude knows me, and he knows that if he comes near me, I will kill him. He wants to scare you, nothing else.”
“How can you be so sure?” I ask, feeling overwhelmed.
“Because I’ve lived here my whole life. Everyone knows me; they know I’m trained. They won’t mess with me. But with you, it’s another story. The question is, who?”
Officer Miller nods. “We’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, you all need to be vigilant. Make sure Violet and Adrian aren’t alone, and keep a close watch on the cameras.”
Officer Miller takes notes and collects the evidence. “We’ll do everything we can to track this person down,” he assures us.
The next day at the coffee shop, my nerves are frayed.
Last night, even after Austin made sweet love to me, I couldn’t sleep. We cuddled in bed, and I really tried to fall asleep, but my mind kept creating scenarios where something bad was going to happen. It didn’t help either that Adrian was worried about the situation and now doesn’t want to go to school because he thinks something is going to happen to me. This morning, I had to have a long conversation with him, explaining that we were doing everything possible to prevent something from happening.
Now, here I am, exhausted and wanting to be back in bed with Austin.
Josy threatened me with bodily harm if I didn’t come to work. She thinks I need the distraction, but I know what she’s doing—she wants to keep me close, and I love her for it. But I fear for her life too.
Trying to focus on the customers, I bustle around the shop, forcing myself to engage in light-hearted conversations. It’s not easy, but it helps keep my mind off the fear lurking in the back of my mind.
I chat with the regulars, offering them smiles and small talk, hoping to find some semblance of normalcy.
John Baker arrives to check the water pipes in the restrooms at Josy's request. “How are you, Violet?” he asks once he enters the shop.
“I’ve been better. What about you?”
“I’m good. Well, I hope that you feel better soon,” he says as he walks in the direction of the bathrooms.
While Josy and John are in the bathroom, Megan walks up to the counter, her expression cold. She rarely visits the coffee shop, and when she does, she is never nice to me.
Today, she is wearing a short red sundress that looks beautiful, and I hate her for it. She paired her dress with red wedges, and her hair is perfectly styled in beach waves that cascade down her back. She looks like a model.
Did I already say that I hate this bitch? Because I really do.
When she gets in front of the counter, I put a smile on my face. “Hi, welcome. What can I get you?
I really want to say "fuck off" but I can’t. That’s not good for business.
Instead of ordering, she sneers and says, “I don’t know what he sees in you. You’re fat and ugly. But don’t worry, he’ll come back to me eventually.”
What the actual fuck. Did this bitch just… What are we? In high school?
Anger flares within me, but I keep my voice steady. “I’m glad to know that you’re delusional. If he wanted you back, he’d be with you and not with me. So please, have some self-respect and don’t ever come back again. And don’t talk to me.”
Megan huffs and puffs before storming out, and I’m left seething with anger and doubt.
The words sting, even though I know they shouldn’t. They come from a beautiful woman, and now that I think about it, Megan might be beautiful on the outside, but she is very ugly on the inside. I would never say such words to anyone.
I refuse to let her words dent my armor, just as my self-confidence is growing. Holding my chin up, I continue work, reminding myself that I can still feel Austin inside me, both physically and in my heart. I’m his, and he’s mine.
Josy and John come back to the front, oblivious to the confrontation that just took place. I try to shake off the lingering negativity and focus on the rest of my day, but even though I feel more confident these days, Megan's words keep echoing in my mind.
I texted Austin about it and he said that he was going to take care of her.
What is he going to do? I don’t know and I really don’t care. I shouldn’t care…
As the day progresses, I engage with the afternoon regular customers and try to maintain a cheerful attitude.
I chat with John Baker while he works, grateful for the distraction.
“Is Adrian getting ready for his first soccer game?”
“Yes. He has been practicing non-stop. I love that he found something that takes him away from the video games.”
“Tell me about it. I have to practically confiscate the devices in my house so we could talk while we have dinner.”
“I just don’t get this generation. They are stuck to their phones at all time and they don’t realize that they are missing out on life.”
“That’s what I tell the kids. But they just think that I’m an old man trying to give them shit.”
I laugh at his words. “Totally understandable,” I say as I shake my head. At least I feel less tense.
Austin comes at lunch time and sits near me while he eats. When I can get a few minutes to take a break, we talk about his work. I know what Austin is trying to do. He wants to distract me and I am so grateful because I really needed this, him. Austin being here makes me feel at peace, feel loved. He hasn’t said the four-letter word, and neither have I, but I feel them with every action and every smile. I find that that’s okay by me. I do want to hear those words eventually, but his actions show me what I already know. When he is done with his lunch, he gives me a big kiss and a hug.
“I already took care of Megan. She won’t bother you again.”
“What did you do?” I ask him
“I just talked to her. Nothing else.”
“Okay.”
“See you at home, beautiful.”
Maybe Dr. Bennett will have some advice on how to handle this as I think about my therapy appointment later.
The anxiety from the stalker situation and Megan's cruel remarks weigh heavily on me. I feel like I'm constantly on edge, waiting for the next bad thing to happen. But I can't let this break me. I have to be strong for Adrian, for Austin, and for myself. We’ll get through this, one way or another.
At my appointment with Dr. Bennett, I pour out my worries. She listens patiently, her expression empathetic. “Violet, it’s natural to feel scared and hurt. But remember, you’re not alone in this. You have a strong support system in Austin, Josy, and Adrian. As for Megan, her words are a reflection of her insecurities, not your worth.”
“You’re right. But I can’t help but feel insecure. I know that I’ve worked a lot on learning to love myself, but her words brought back memories. Taylor was so cruel with his words, and when Megan said that, it brought back all those traumatic moments from my past.”
“It’s understandable. Recovering from mental abuse takes time. Anything can trigger a flashback to those moments. You need to learn how to separate what happened in the past from the present. Remember, words coming from people with bad intentions have no meaning. But they can trigger previous emotions from similar behaviors. Even people with good intentions can accidentally trigger those emotions and that’s okay. It’s all part of the process to rebuild how you think about those moments and learn to recreate your response toward a more positive outcome.”
Her words bring some comfort, but the fear and doubt linger. “I thought I was past all of that. I thought I was stronger.”
“You are strong, Violet. It’s important to acknowledge your progress. Look at where you are now compared to where you were. You’re in a healthy relationship, surrounded by people who care about you. You’re confronting your fears head-on. That takes incredible strength.”
I nod, absorbing her words. “I guess I didn’t realize how much progress I’ve made.”
“It’s easy to overlook our achievements, especially when faced with new challenges. But every step forward is progress, no matter how big or small. Even when you feel as if you are taking ten steps backward and only one step forward, you are making progress. When Megan’s words bring you down, remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Focus on the positive affirmations from those who love you. Don’t let the narcissism of others win.”
“I’ll try. It’s just…hard.”
“I know. But you’re not alone. Lean on your support system. Communicate with Austin about how you’re feeling. Talk with Josy. It’s okay to ask for help.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a bit lighter. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
“You’re welcome, Violet. Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to have setbacks as long as you keep moving forward. And I’m always here when you need to talk. If I’m unavailable with another appointment, you are welcome to text me or send me an email, okay?”
“Okay, Dr. Bennett.”
I leave the session with Dr. Bennett’s words playing on a loop in my mind as I walk back to the coffee shop, each step grounding me in the present. I take a deep breath, feeling the crisp air fill my lungs, and remind myself just how far I’ve come. Three months ago, I arrived here shattered—my spirit barely a flicker and my self-esteem buried under years of emotional rubble.
But I’ve worked hard. Every step I’ve taken since has been about rebuilding, about reclaiming the pieces of myself that I thought were lost forever. It’s not easy. Some days, the weight of my past feels like it’ll drag me under, but I refuse to let it win.
I’m stronger now, and I keep telling myself that I can do this. That I am worth it.
I won’t let my ex-husband’s voice or anyone else’s linger in my head, feeding me lies about my worth. Megan can roll her eyes and throw her subtle digs all she wants, but she doesn’t get to define me.
I am not defined by my past mistakes, my marriage, or the pain I’ve endured. I am defined by the courage it took to leave, the strength it takes to keep going, and the love that’s starting to fill the cracks in my heart.
As the coffee shop comes into view, a sense of purpose swells in my chest. I’ve already made it through the hardest part; I survived. Now it’s time to thrive.