I was 21 when he broke my jaw. 

And honestly, I’d been waiting for it as a reason to leave. 

Never mind the years of emotional abuse. 

A broken jaw was a concrete, valid excuse to leave. 

I packed my bags and got a new apartment assigned, while he was in class.

The police arrived as he tore my belongings from my car. 

All I’d ever wanted was for someone to promise me forever.

But I quickly realized the commitment wasn’t worth the cost. 

Today, I visited the dentist for another cavity on the other side of my mouth. 

The one I’ve learned to chew on, the last twenty years. 

Gone, but not forgotten. 

Gone, but never the same.