We stopped in Effingham, Illinois to meet one of Mara's e-mail trucker buddies; a fella named Don. I've tried to explain to Mara that I don't like having to look people in the eye and stand my ground because they wonder what kind of man I am because I haven't kicked her ass for repeatedly making me look like a fool. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I would never lift a hand to Mara, but I have limits.

It looks like things may be going better between us. I'm going to hope for the best and let play out, but it's true that I'll never trust her like I did. I will live my life so that I can always look anyone in the eye without shame. Whatever that may cost me.