Lucy ran her hand along the couch that had been donated to the refuge. She smiled as she looked around the room. She knew exactly what her dead husband Patrick would be thinking and saying if he was here to witness her success.
Fucking slag. Who do you think you’re kidding? YOU WILL FAIL at this, like you have failed at everything …
She squeezed her hands so tightly her nails broke the skin on her palms. He would not ruin the day for her.
Her mobile phone pinged. She walked over to the table and picked it up. It was from Mark.
Do you still need help? I can be there in an hour. X Mark
Lucy smiled. She was so excited about opening the haven after getting the official accreditation from the Ministry of Justice and had roped all her friends and colleagues into helping her out.
She texted back.
It’s OK. Sharon is coming by in a bit to go over the advocacy sessions. There may be wine. You’re more than welcome to join us. X
She enjoyed Mark’s company but knew she was keeping him at arm’s length. Her healing was not yet over – it may never be – but she hoped one day she would be ready to trust again.
She stared out of the window at the dark clouds forming. Fitting. A storm was coming and her insides were in turmoil. She needed to shake this feeling out of her head.
Lucy walked over to the window and pulled it closed. She was startled by the thumping on her door. She looked at her watch.
Too early for Sharon.
Grabbing her cardigan off the couch, she wrapped it around her as she headed to the door. She thought she heard someone whimpering on the other side of the door. When she looked at the camera monitor, all she could see was a shadow.
Nothing would prepare her for the sight before her.
The young woman with the bloodied face reached out to Lucy. But before Lucy could catch her, she collapsed in the doorway.
THE END
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