she knew nothing about why she stayed with an abusive man for so long, she knew not why she didn't reach out. all she could understand clearly was that she was free.

at court, he pleaded not guilty but the wounds he left on her were proof enough.

he was given a life sentence. she should have been happy when her mother finally told her. she shouldn't have been able to look at his face without crying.

but she knew that she would miss him. not her abusive husband, but the sweet, fake man that she had once loved.

she was flustered;

for he was suddenly a catastrophe.