I shall never see my true face, my true self. All I see is a reflection, distorted by the corrupted mind's eye. A shattered fun house mirror in front of me, screaming at how atrocious I am. I feebly whisper that I'm sorry, but my words crack as they weakly drop to the floor, exploding thousands of tiny shards that pierce and prod my skin. I look over to find you. In my scatterbrained thoughts I try to piece words together, but I have to forcefully shove them into each other. They form such a distorted image, more so than the reflection of the monster I am. The hyenas over my shoulders laugh and mock my horrid voice, their teeth chewing up and spitting out my foreign flesh. Be quiet, little petty cat, for your words mean nothing to him. I glance down, my vision blurring as tears fill my eyes.
Just. Say. You're. Fine.
I don't want to hurt you, I never wanted to hurt you, but I adorn briars on my skin, that cut anyone who draws near. No matter how many layers I cover myself in, they always stab through. Even so, the wolf looks back at me with such a caring stare, the hostility he once felt from fear had dissipated. I see your cracks, my dear wolf, for I can see the mask you hide behind. You draw closer, my fear rising, for my thorns have hurt so many before. Your arms wrap around me, and you say you love me. The hyenas hiss, your hopeful light blinding and driving them back. I caress your cheek and hold you gently, for I am trying my hardest to not scare you away.
I wish to fill your cracks with gold, and make your flame burn brighter than ever.
I hope to one day save you, like you saved me.
