Her nails dig into my shirt, fisting the starched fabric. “Don’t fucking hurt me again.” “I won’t. I promise.” “I don’t believe you.” “I’ll prove you wrong.” “I hope you do.” She untangles our hands and leans back, regarding me. Gratitude. Relief. Hope. It’s all there in her striking eyes, the change of her breath, the drop of her shoulders, and the chambers of her heart inviting me in. Fucking finally. Let this be a lesson to you, little girl. Never invite a monster into your heart.
