Shackles

The mascara shamelessly got in the way of her tears, gliding gracefully down her cheeks, seeking an entrance past her lips.

My gaze remain fixed to the bruises on her body, which she had carefully concealed– a testament to the pain she had suffered in the name of love.

“I love him", she whispered, her eyes sunken and her voice trembling.

Yet again, her body betrayed her. The weight of her fear reeling me in, a silent plea for help!

Her shoulders tighten, and her fists clenches,as if bracing herself for her next fight.

“I feel trapped, as though bound by chains, and I can't seem to break free. His presence hovers around me– his angry face, his cold gaze, and his disgust at the sight of me, a nightmare.

I close my eyes, and I see myself locked up, while he keeps screaming at me. Fear consumes me, as much as his abuse has consumed every inch of my soul".

I hear the shattering of my heart, for the millionth time today.

Her wounds may never truly heal, yet, I knew she was a warrior.

I dissuade the little voice in my head that screams:

Oh dear, if the shoes fit, you'd be a ravaging soul, desperately waiting for death to set you free.