The Brutality of Circumstance

Sometimes brutality doesn’t come from a person.

It comes from circumstance.

That has been my life since the spring—

since the season of compounded, catastrophic loss.

Repeated exposure to the man

who systemically, quietly,

emotionally and psychologically abused me—

now in professional settings,

with high-stakes issues on the line.

Starting just ten days after my father died.

The brutality is unimaginable.

The irony is revolting.

And yet—

the strength of my character

is like none other.