The sunset was before me, the airport runway to the left.

The wind blew through my tightly coiffed bun as I drove with the top down in my electric blue Karmann Ghia.

I adored the car, but I hated that it was his absolution payoff.

A recompense ensuring that I would keep my mouth shut.

At twenty, it was the happiest day of my life.

Free from all that weighed me down.

Emancipated.     Liberated.      Extricated.

Free from him at long last.