Invisible Bars

by Alecia J

“Look,” I sighed. “Let’s go in and get her. But don’t yell, jump out at her… or none of that goofy shit. I think it’s what triggers the twitching.” “Bro, I’d never do anything to intentionally harm my sister-in-law,” Chi said with fake sincerity, placing a hand over his chest.

I forgot how to breathe. And whatever part of my brain handled impulse control? Yeah… it glitched. “Dammmmmmmmmn, he’s fine!” My eyes widened. What the actual hell?

“Damn,” I muttered, feeling a lump in my throat. “So all that time… you were trapped?” He nodded slowly. “I call it… invisible bars, son.” “Invisible bars?” I repeated, confused. “It’s not always chains or jail cells keeping a person locked up; sometimes it’s guilt, obligation, family expectations, or even pride,” he explained. “I wasn’t in prison, but I wasn’t free either.

“Horror? You? The girl who twitches and yells out random shit like ‘Stop tickling my kneecaps, devil!’ Wants to watch demonic possession and serial killers?”

So yeah… that night? That was the moment I realized our marriage might’ve started off messy, but it was about to get dangerous in the best kind of way. Because if she ever gave me the green light? God help her. Because I wouldn’t stop at love… I’d devour her.

“Something like this. Her name is Naji Kors. My wife. My peace. My business. Stay out of it. It’s classy… with a touch of criminal.”

“Just don’t forget where you come from, because that’s the only place that will remember you when the world acts like it never knew your name.”

“Be careful who you date and marry. The biggest prison is a home without peace. And whatever you tolerate while dating will multiply times two in a marriage. Marriage doesn’t fix dysfunction; it reveals it all. Don’t ask me how I survived; ask me what song I played on repeat when I thought my whole world was over.”

“I got you. And while we’re on the subject… Naji, don’t ever be scared to spend our money. You’re my wife,” he said, his tone firmer now, but still warm. “What’s mine is yours. You got my card… run that shit up. It’ll be replaced by the next morning. I promise you that.”

“We’ll take a test tomorrow,” he said softly. “Together. But don’t you ever think you’re in this alone. That baby—if it’s there—it’s ours. Mine to protect. Yours to carry. Ours to raise.”

“Funny thing is, I never prayed for much before you. But somehow, God still answered a prayer I didn’t know how to make, and he gave me you.