Olympus

She fought her demons for years, walked through the fire, and came out scarred but not burned to ash. The scars were healing, and she saw a life and a future ahead of her. It was an amazing feeling, and she could not wait to enjoy it. 

She put her keys in the lock of her door and walked into the house with a blissful smile on her face. 

“I’m happy to see you too,” he said. “Did you miss me?” 

She froze with the keys in her hand, and her mouth dropped open as her eyes met his. She closed the door behind her and crossed her arms over her chest. 

“Get out,” she hissed. “How did you get in here in the first place?” 

He laughed. “You shouldn’t hide the key in the same spot,” he said. “I’m happy here. I’m not going anywhere. You’ll have to make me.” 

His smile was smug and he stood up to his full height. His intent was intimidation, and because it had worked in the past, and he was sure it would work again. 

Her eyes were hard. “I’ve grown since you were here last,” she said. “Get out, or you will get thrown out!” 

“Sure I will,” he said. “How many times have I heard that before?” 

Her eyes flashed. “You don’t belong here anymore,” she said. “You don’t belong with me.” 

She pulled out her phone, darted for the bedroom, locked the door, and didn’t come out until the sirens came to her door. 

He screamed abuse at her through the door and it only escalated as the police dragged him away. Time stopped and only crashed back down once he was gone. 

Once she was alone her hand shook but she felt stronger than she ever had been. He tried his old games and she refused to fall for it. 

She was truly free. She had climbed the mountain.