Childhood Trauma

Vanessa downed one drink after another. I tried to tell her to slow down, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She was lost in her own memories. ‘Do you know what’s the last thing my grandma said to me before she passed away?’ ‘No.’ ‘On her deathbed, she held my hand, made me swear I’d never ask for a divorce. She wouldn’t take her last breath until I said yes.’ I was quiet. Her story reminded me of Kieran’s grandmother. Vanessa snorted out a laugh. ‘I said yes. Which meant I would be tied to Marty for the rest of my life. The only ways for me to get out would be if he divorces me, or one of us is dead.’ ‘I guess this means I should offer my congratulations.’ We clicked glasses and drank up. ‘You are free now.’ She shrugged, looking lost. ‘Maybe. Or maybe my parents are already looking for husband number two.’ ‘Then you should enjoy your freedom before that comes.’ Vanessa was a strong woman. I refused to believe she’d let her parents control her for the rest of her life. She didn’t need conso