Payback

She touched her swollen cheek and winced. Looking in the mirror was difficult, not just because of the marks that John had left on her face, but also because she had lost respect for herself. She was becoming convinced of the things that he would tell her, that she was worthless, that she was not deserving of love. That was all going to change.

Karen pulled her coat tight and held her purse close as she climbed the steps to the building's front doors. She rode the elevator with several other people, but she was all alone when it reached the sixth floor. She exited there and found the receptionist, who recognized her from the office party.

"Oh, hello!" she greeted. "Should I tell John you're here?"

"No. Thank you," replied Karen. "I'd like to surprise him."

As she stepped past the front desk, she reached into her purse and gripped the handle of the gun with a steady hand.