What the threat of "Retribution" feels like.

[no_hypocrisy]

Someone who has authority can make veiled threats against your security, personal and/or financial. They made it clear that their goal is to destroy you. And they're serious and they have the means.

I lived through it with a narcissistic father. It was like having Damocles' Sword over my head.

You get to the point where you say, "F*ck it, go ahead." And you openly defy your tormenter. And you wait and look for signs that you're the target of their wrath.

While I never had the threat of physical abuse or death, the spectre of "Gotcha!" is real and abiding.

When you stand up to a bully (or worse), you reclaim your integrity, your self-worth by being brave. You define yourself.