To be honest, Dr. Anita, yes she has. In fact, I read her this piece before I submitted it. I didn't want to misrepresent her feelings or experiences. She suggested a few changes and I made them. So it comes with her seal of approval!

I should also say that she does not want her experience to be reduced to an analogy, no matter how good, so I've largely retired that Odysseus/colonizer analogy in conversation with her.

I hope this doesn't contradict the piece, which concludes with her lost to me, but we are spending time together again. She is considering what kind of relationship she wants with me. She can't forget her past experiences and she worries that they may return, and I understand that. We may yet be a love story--but we are not one yet.

Thank you for reading and responding, my friend. I appreciate you.