Shattered

Being vulnerable is something she felt comfortable with. She embraced that side of her personality. She did it well and often. She felt, and thought, allowing her audience to see her for who she truly is was the best policy. And until then, it had paid off. It had allowed her to connect on a deeper level and to build long lasting, trusting relationships.

This time, however, it was different. She was almost fearful of the repercussions. He had robbed her of her innocence; he had successfully taken away her confidence. She doubted every move, every thought. She constantly felt the weight of his indifference.

Then she had another flashback. He had told her he would "inflict pain to her". She did not understand it at the time. She thought it was all kinky talk. But he was being truthful and it was all making sense now. He had wreaked havoc in her mind, in her soul, and disappeared; leaving her alone to pick up the pieces.

He would nevertheless come back every now and again to chip away a little more every time it seemed she was on her way to recovery. The worst is that she was waiting, longing for more of him and his antics hoping every new encounter would be different.