Rearview: A short story

“It’s not just about you anymore.”

He said it matter-of-factly. So simple. So self-assured.

He adjusted the mirror to look at me in the back seat.

I leaned my head back and looked into the rearview mirror.

I could only see his eyes reflected in the glass.

His words pierced through my intoxicated fog and it was unnerving.

I thought he didn't get it. Didn't get me. But that was expected. No one did.

Hindsight being 20/20 I know he was the only one who truly saw me that night.

Who told me what I needed to know but didn't want to hear.

I hated what he said. But he was right.

Everything I went through. Everything I am going through. Everything I will go through.

It’s not just about me anymore.