Someone asked you how you’re doing and you answered, “I’m great” and you actually aren’t lying. And then you got a message from someone in your past. It was a photo. A photo of a door into a room with the caption, “Do you remember this door”, not even punctuated.

Do I remember the door? To be fair, it took a bit of recollection. I thought of the person who sent it and it all came back.

Why did he send me this? Did he honestly believe that experience brings me good memories?

It was when I lost my job and was actively looking for one in order to stay in the foreign land I called home. I wasn’t ready to leave. I was scared and alone. He was a confidant for at least 5 years before that day. He supported me at work and I performed really well in my position, the entire time everything was professional. And then I left the company and stayed in touch, still professionally. When I found out they’re not renewing my contract in the new job, I reached out to ask if there’s a place for me with his new team. He invited me for lunch. I didn’t think twice, nor thought of anything bad that can happen.

Met him at the restaurant where they had family rooms. My naivety convinced me it was normal and justified the situation as him not wanting to attract unnecessary stares; he’s a Middle Eastern guy in traditional clothes having lunch with a female in Western office clothes. He asked me how I was and told me he’ll try his best to help me find another job, he told me to order food. I was so uncomfortable I couldn’t eat. I wish I left then and there. He then took my hand and placed it between his legs. I was immobile, “What is happening?”. And then he kissed me. I was in shock. I moved my face away, drank water, and said, “I need to go”.

The photo he sent me today, was the door to that room, with a caption, “Do you remember this door”, not even punctuated.

I do remember that door. I do remember what happened behind it.