Epilogue One Year Later - Cassie
The gallery is small but prestigious, a showcase for emerging artists in Providence.
Tyler’s work is hanging on the walls, paintings about redemption and change, about becoming someone different, about the possibility of growth. And there, in the center of the largest wall, is the portrait he painted of me.
I’m standing in front of it now, looking at the younger version of myself captured on canvas.
“It’s still my favorite,” Tyler says, appearing beside me.
“It’s good. You’re so talented, and I’m biased, but also objectively correct.”
My book is coming out next month, a collection of essays about my experience with harassment, my journey toward healing, and the possibility of redemption through growth. It’s received early interest from reviewers, and there’s talk of it being nominated for awards.
“We made it,” I says, leaning my head on his shoulder.
“We did.”
“Sophomore year Cassie would be shocked to know that I’m in love with Tyler Morrison and living with him in Providence and supporting his art career.”
“Sophomore year Tyler would be shocked that he deserved a second chance.”
I turn to face him. “You did deserve it. Because you took it seriously. Because you actually changed. Because you proved that people can be better.”
“I love you,” he says.
“I love you too. Even though you’re infuriating and always leave your paint brushes everywhere and sing off-key while you shower.” I say with a laugh.
“You love all of those things.”
“I do,” I admit. “I really do.”
He kisses and I think about the long journey from hatred to love, from enemies to partners, from silence to speaking truth.
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t simple. But it was absolutely worth it.
THE END