January 9, 2024:
She was, in a word, mean.
Words to wound, words to belittle, words to control and dominate. Mostly, words to hurt.
There were times I went out the back, to cry where I wouldn't be seen. The words she threw like missiles were so hurtful, the aim so precise. While in my world of depression and loneliness my defenses were, let's say, depleted.
What did it gain her? Food and a roof, for a time. In the end it was a relief to watch her leave.