Gray After Dark

by Noelle W. Ihli

Because regardless of the fact that she was intent on holding me prisoner here, there was no doubt in my mind that she was a prisoner too.

I nodded like that was totally reasonable. Kidnapping was fair game. Sex before marriage, not so much. Right.

The longer those two words hung in the air, the faster cracks spread through my heart until it finally shattered.

The idea of returning to the home I’d shared with Mom, to rooms echoing with memories of her, felt impossible. Every corner, every piece of art, every fiber of carpet would scream her absence. Her smell would be everywhere.