By Brie Beach
I take a deep breath, then another. Must calm down. I try to quell the pounding in my head, but I cannot slow my racing heart. The faster it pulses, the more I stress—a vicious cycle I’m afraid may kill me at any moment.
Unless he accomplishes that first. My senses heighten as I hear his car in the driveway. I’ve known that this inevitable moment would come, but I still wish to disappear. If only I had someone I could run to; if only I could escape. Maybe then I could survive.
I glance in the mirror, bruises glowing.
Very strong story. I can’t believe how much emotion was conveyed in so few words! Great work.
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear your feedback. 🙂
Wow, powerful story. And beautifully phrased–I loved “bruises glowing.” And the clever use of “vicious cycle” in reference to her heartbeat rather than the cycle of domestic abuse.
Thank you, Kelsey! I appreciate that. I’m glad it impacted you!
A blunt, realistic depiction of how scary a relationship can be. The abuser and the abused as the roles of cat and mouse. Once again, as with your other short, you told so much in such a confined frame of words. That takes pure talent. You have IT!
Thanks, Noah! That means a lot to me. 🙂
I didn’t expect the story to take such a turn this way. Well written! Great job!