I lost track of how many nights I’d lain awake, haunted by nightmares.
On Sophia's couch, I closed my eyes, instantly back in that basement, vile insults echoing.
"Mr. Caldwell? Mr Caldwell?"

I jolted awake, seeing Sophia's calm face, her brow furrowed.
"Worse than I thought," she said." But trust me, we'll manage."
I took the water she offered."Thanks."
"No problem. We've met before, actually."
I looked up, startled.
"As kids," she said, smiling." You were always off solving math puzzles. When my parents brought me to your house, your mom asked you to play with me. You just handed me a stool without a glance."

I winced, apologetic.
She shook her head, turning serious."Your parents were good people. They'd hate seeing you like this."
"For them, you need to break through and find light."
Her words glowed with hope.

I clenched my fists."Thank you."
After my third session, I took Sophia to dinner.
At the restaurant, Victoria and Ryan walked in.
Victoria spotted me and Sophia, her laughing face turning icy.
She stormed over."Ethan Caldwell, no wonder you want a divorce—you've been cheating!"
"You slut, seducing my husband! Do you know who I am?"
She raised her hand.
I stood, grabbing her wrist, eyes cold."Take your crazy elsewhere."
I let go, and she stumbled.
Ryan caught her." You pushed me for her?"
Victoria gaped.
Sophia laughed." This guy's awfully cozy with you. What's your deal?"
Victoria shoved Ryan away, flustered." None of your business! Ethan, you want a divorce? Fine! But remember—I'm the one dumping you!"
She glared at Sophia." No idea what you see in this loser. My trash is your treasure?"
"Ethan's got game," Ryan sneered."A cripple pulling chicks—not bad."
Sophia eyed Ryan coolly."You're no slouch either—mastering the art of being a sleaze at your age. Rare to see a guy this oily."
Ryan's eyes narrowed.
I stepped in front of Sophia." Ryan, got nothing better to do? Fixed your family's cemetery yet?"