Fifteen years ago
Thunder crashed overhead and I huddled underneath the bridge, wanting the rain to stop.
But it never stopped. It was wet, dreary, and miserable with no end in sight.
I was cold.
A deep in my bones, never get warm cold. I wrapped the frayed edges of my coat around my too thin body. My dark hair hung down my back.
No one would glance at me twice. I kept my chin tucked into my chest, careful not to look at anyone.
Life had taught me hard lessons. Don’t give away what you can’t afford to lose. A smile. A glance. Your tears.
Your soul.
Things had been different the day I had methim.
He looked at me and I wastrapped.
It was too late. He held me prisoner with his green eyes and soft smile meant only for me.
He sucked me dry and laid my heart to waste.
I wanted to run, run, run.
Far and fast so no one could find me.
He said we could run together. He smothered me with promises that he meant to keep. I trusted his intentions.
Last night when our skin was bare and we were open wide, he gave me everything. I didn’t think about what he did with others when the lights were out. In back alleys and seedy motel rooms.
When his hand found mine in the dark,hewas mine.
I was his.
We were going to run, run, run.
I’ll be there, Imi. Wait for me.
The harsh light of day was different. I couldn’t ignore the things I didn’t want to see.
I should run. Run. Run.
But I couldn’t. He held me captive with his aching, painful love.
So I waited. And I waited. Lost and alone. Waiting to be found.
Until the sun slipped away and my clothes had dried.
Into the night I stayed, hoping. Hoping.
My heart turned to stone and Iknew.
I would never see him again.
Present Day
Ihad thought myself content with my unassuming existence.
