HER THOUGHTS

Mariam drove home in silence, the day’s events pressing down on her. The confrontation with Kimberly had left her shaken, though she tried to brush it off. The accusation of being Dazzle’s mistress was baseless, of course, but it still stung. It reminded her too much of the mistakes she had made in her own life, particularly with Jack.

Mariam’s mind drifted back to the last time she had seen Jack. Their breakup had been messy, full of misunderstandings and accusations, most of which had been unfounded.

She had accused him of things he hadn’t done, letting her own insecurities drive a wedge between them. And now, watching Kimberly’s jealousy flare up like that, it brought everything rushing back.

By the time she pulled into her driveway, Mariam’s eyes were wet and icy with unshed tears. She sat in the car for a few moments, trying to gather herself. The memories were too fresh, the pain too raw. She had been so sure of herself back then, so convinced that Jack was hiding somethin