25.

"Today is the tenth year since your passing, and I am sitting in front of the river Gade in Watford. I moved towns again, but I think this is permanent. I bought an apartment with Joseph. I have a job and a skills class I take three times a week. I own a car and got an e-bike to take me from place to place. You should see them. They aren't anything fancy, but they sure are beautiful. I don't know if you have ever been here before. I think you would have liked it.

"I had another nightmare this morning. It isn't as bad as it was before, thank God. I don't wake up screaming and trashing around with Joseph struggling to hold me down. I wish they'd stop altogether, but I think I am still healing even after all this time. When I can't sleep, I sit by the window and lavish in the stars until the sun rises."

Ayesha turned, looking behind her at a few joggers that scurried past, taking the trail down the river. She woke up early to set out on the road, cycling to the river. She brought along t