I wake with Raena’s soft shake on my shoulder. “Hey, wake up, Leah. Your tea is done.” I slowly open my eyes and gently sit up.

Kota now lays next to me and looks at me lovingly. He’s adorable. I get up and go to the kitchen, where my tea sits on the counter in a plain white mug.

I go back to the living room and unplug my phone. I turn it on and the Apple logo is displayed.

A minute later, my lock screen shows, as does Danisha’s text from earlier. “Hey,” it says, with a small red heart next to it. I reply immediately: “Hey, I passed out a while ago after I put my phone to charge. Sorry!” My text sends and I take a long sip of my drink.

I scroll through my contacts and delete Marie’s number, and then go to delete the photos in my gallery.

I now realize that Marie and I were barely ever on such great terms, but at those times, she seemed so pure.

I look back at the picture in front of the Rockefeller Center. I wore a green sweater with a black scarf and matching ear muffs, with my hair in a long, blonde braid and a bit of makeup.

Marie had her arm around my waist, with her head on my shoulder. She wore a white blouse and blue jeans. Her black hair was in a bun.

We both were smiling in the picture, though my cheek was red and my eyes looked sad.

I don’t remember who took it. Probably some stranger, but, oh well.

I try to figure out why we both seemed so happy that day. And then I remembered the reason. I had asked her if she ever wanted to get married or have children together.

She looked me straight in the face and smiled. “Maybe,” she said. Then there was silence before a big wave of hurt came over me. “But with someone else.”

I tried to ask her why, but she scurried away to find someone to take the picture. Marie quickly came back and slapped me before growling at me to smile. Then we got into that pose and this is the picture that was taken.

Through all the years Marie and I have been together, I always felt nausea in my stomach. Or just that uneasy feeling.

Whatever it was, I knew it was a sign of my body telling me that being around her wasn’t good.

Anything I did was never good enough for her, and she would always somehow have reason to complain.

That night in the city we went to go see the famous tree, of course, but I wanted to propose to Marie; I had the ring in my pocket that entire time but, after she hit me, I decided not to go through with my plan.

We eventually went back home and I hid the ring in my nightstand drawer, and I sold it the next day. The day after was when I ran away, so it’s been about five days or so now.

I was with Marie for eight years. I had so much love for her in the beginning, until she just started treating me with such disrespect, with no regards to my feelings. That bitch. I now piece together too that she could have been cheating on me, as well as abusing me. Why else would she say she wants a family with someone else?

All these thoughts make my mind stir and I feel my blood boiling with rage.

I drink the warm tea with big gulps and set the cup down on the coffee table next to the couch.

I hear a noise from the door. “Raena?” I called out. “No? Leah?” I hear a familiar voice and quickly turn my head. It’s Danisha.

She’s dressed in casual outfit, pants and a long-sleeved blue sweater, which brings out her smooth, ebony skin. I take in her beauty and blush at the thought of her touching my cheek.

“Are you feeling okay?” Her voice quickly brings me back to reality. I get up and go hug her, telling her to sit down. We sit on chairs in the kitchen.

“Huh? Oh, I guess so.” I say. “How about you? You look really lovely.” She blushes and fixes her shirt before giving me her full attention again. “Thank you. I’ve been sort of better. My uncle is something else, though. I wanted to come see you and that way we could hang out with your friend, or we could maybe try to go see if you can be somewhere that’s safer.”

I nod. “Yeah, maybe. But I don’t know where else I’m supposed to be right now. Have you found another place?”

“No. I don’t know where else to take you that would be extra safe, besides either out of the country or at a women’s shelter.”

“A shelter, why there? I’m not in any danger.”

Danisha suddenly grabs my hands.

“Leah, look at me directly right now, okay? Look in my eyes. Whether you believe it or not– and I don’t think you do, clearly– you are in danger.

You’re running away from yourself and your problems. I need you to believe, alright? I want to do what’s best for you; I want to help. Don’t deny the troubles you’re facing right now. You need support.”

She brings me in for a hug and, without thinking, I hug back.

Maybe she’s right. No, not maybe. She’s definitely right.

What am I doing? Running away isn’t right. I have to confront Marie. “Thank you, Danisha.” I say, as we let go.

I stand and go to the living room to get my phone and use my password to get to the home screen. There’s a text from Raena: “Hey, I’ll be home in ten minutes.” It’s 9:05 now.

I go back to the kitchen and sit in my spot, turning up the sound on my phone before putting it on the table. “Huh? Did I just see a cat?” Danisha asks.

“Yeah, that’s my Kota.” I laugh. I look around, seeing him walk back from the living room. I carefully pick him up as he meows.

“Do you want to hold him? He’s adorable and so friendly, trust me. He even likes strangers.” She smiles and holds her hands out while I gently hand my cat over. “Come here, you! You’re so tiny.”

“Would you believe he’s a few years old already?”

“Yeah? He looks almost grown now. Is he 1 or 2?”

“2.”

“Wow.” Danisha says in astonishment.

Kota curls in a fluffy ball and meows more.

“Oh, you should sit down. And be careful of his paw. Poor little thing can’t walk too well anymore.” She sits down and continues to pet him. I quickly get a blanket and give it to Danisha.

Suddenly, I hear the door unlock and open. “I’m home! Leah? Are you here?” I peek out from the kitchen. “Yeah, we’re here.”

Raena sets down her bag and we quickly hug. “I hope you’re doing better, hun. And do you happen to know who’s car is in my driveway?” she asks, pointing outside. “Oh, I’m sorry. My new friend Danisha stopped by, she brought me here yesterday.”

She chuckles. “You’re not in trouble; it’s fine.” She picks up her bag and goes into the kitchen.

“What’s in the bag? Groceries?” I ask.

“Yeah, I had to get some milk for my coffee and eggs and orange juice for you. If you like that kind of stuff. My husband Harris usually does. Speaking of him, he should be home soon from work.”

“Hi Miss Raena. I hope I’m not a nuisance.” Danisha laughs while still petting Kota.

He’s now sound asleep, with his head peeking out from the blanket. “Hey. It’s no trouble. Do you both want something to eat? I’m about to watch a movie or something if you’d like to join.” Raena offers.

“No, thank you. Maybe next time. I’ve been here for a while and it’s best I'll be on my way.” Danisha carefully stands and I scoop up my sleeping kitten, holding him closely to my chest.

“Okay, goodnight Danisha. It was great seeing you, thanks for checking on me.” I say as she heads towards the door.

“Of course. I’ll text you!” she calls out. The door closes and I hear her car drive off after a few minutes.

I sigh and sit down on the couch. Kota makes a noise and moves near my neck. His breath is warm and tickly. “Hi, Little Kota, I love you.”

I pet his head and he slowly opens his green, adorably curious eyes, letting out a light cry.

Having finished in the kitchen, Leah comes into the living room with her popcorn and iced tea and sits next to me. “Hey Leah, how’s your kitty’s arm doing?” she asks as she turns on the big TV. “He’s struggling to walk but I think he’s feeling a little better.”

She puts on a random channel and faces me. “Well, that’s good. I’ll check on him tomorrow or so.” She smiles at me and reaches over to touch my cat.

Again, the door opens and closes. “Raena? Dear?” Harris’ voice calls.

“I’m here! In the living room with Leah.” she replies. “Okay, and where is our dinner?” Harris walks over to the couch and stands in front of us.

“Well, there’s really nothing to make, honey. All I bought were eggs, milk and something else— forgot what it is– but that’s all. No other foods, sorry. Maybe get some take out?”

Harris suddenly makes a disappointed face, which suddenly melts when he notices me at last. “Hi, Leah. I’m sure my wife here has told you tons about me.” He laughs.

His behavior is quite strange, and I really don’t like the creepy and dangerous vibe I’m getting from him. “Hey! I’m asking you something, sweetie. I said, how long are you staying?” he asks me.

Not long with you around, rather than have that escape my mouth I say: “Oh, sorry. It might be awhile. Is that an issue at all?”

I kiss Kota’s head and move him to lay on my lap.

I look between both Raena and Harris. It’s hard to discern the faces they give each other. “Not at all.” Raena quickly says. “Okay, thanks. I should get ready for bed. Where do I sleep again?”

She points upstairs, eating popcorn. “In my room. First door on the right as soon as you reach up there.”

I picked up Kota, got my phone, and walked up the steps and into her room. As soon as I see her bed, I’m instantly tired. I put my cat down and get changed before turning off the lights and tucking in.

In the darkness, I feel Kota coming next to me, lying down and starting to sleep. He purrs loudly. Downstairs, there’s faint sounds and talking. I fall asleep feeling better than I ever have for days.