The realization splits through me and breaks the lock on all the things I let go unsaid, all the times I’ve wanted to strike back but nodded and smiled instead. I know Hook is most likely going to hurt me for lashing out, but I can’t find it in me to care. Finally—finally—being able to speak my mind is liberating. And when Hook not only allows it but encourages it, I feel like I have someone at my back.
