I Am a Woman

Two thousand seven hundred and fourteen days after [his] nightmare; don’t be surprised by the chronicling of my life—it isn’t strange (at least not to me when I look back). [His] presence in my life has been as significant as the Industrial Revolution in France; though if that revolution is evaluated positively (sorry for my limited historical knowledge), I must say [his] role in my life resembled a destructive coup. If I knew which transformation in which country was overwhelmingly unsuccessful, I’d cite it as an example to show you the depth of the catastrophe. Contrary to my psychotherapist who said, ‘His presence in your life was necessary for your growth,’ let me tell you, I was transformed into a big nothing. [He] broke me apart and pieced me back together—certainly with my own help—intending for perfection; and yet what ruins remain of me!