My Darling Dreadful Thing

by Johanna van Veen

I felt so alone, I thought I might well die of it.

They may have done their best to twist us with their hatred and bitterness, and we might never forget the horrors they inflicted on us, but we won’t let them succeed.

We’ve both been maimed, but maybe if we’re together, we can learn how to be a whole person.”

I said nothing, just pressed my face against her throat and breathed in her particular peaty scent, wishing this moment had passed already, then wishing it could last forever.