Becky's POV
The days Paul spent with me had turned into my haven from the mental storm raging inside. Every morning I woke up feeling normal; Paul's reassuring presence and consistent daily pattern helped ground me. I tried to pay attention to the small pleasures: a peaceful breakfast, the pleasant hum of the coffee maker, and the lighthearted laughter that had lately been more frequent between us. Benevolent on the surface, though, my memories stood a broken jigsaw and the shadow of my past still loomed huge.
Joan, Paul's girlfriend, had been a continual irritant. She objected to me and did not try to hide it. Her visits were punctuated with sharp comments and subdued animosity. Knowing she was in Paul's life — even as our relationship got closer — was the worst part. Joan's contempt ju
