just read.
This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning:
This book also includes depictions o...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Onika Maraj Manhattan Hospital
Nov 2
I woke up slowly, every inch of my body screaming in pain. My head was pounding, my ribs aching with every shallow breath.
For a moment, I didn't know where I was.
Then it all came rushing back-the yelling, the blows, the fear.
Tre.
I thought that was it. That I wasn't going to make it out this time. The way he looked at me, so full of rage, like he didn't even recognize me... like I wasn't even human.
I could feel the life draining out of me as he hit me, and I just kept thinking, This is it.
This is how it ends.
The fear was paralyzing, but so was the exhaustion. I had been through this cycle so many times before-hoping he'd change, convincing myself it wasn't that bad, making excuses for him because I thought I loved him.
But this? This was different.
This was the closest I've ever come to thinking I wouldn't wake up again.
And lying here now, I realize... I can't keep going through this. I can't keep pretending like things will get better, like he'll magically turn into someone he's not.
He won't.
He's dangerous, and I've been lying to myself for too long, thinking I could handle it, thinking I could fix him. But I can't.
The pain radiates through my body, but it's nothing compared to the weight of the truth hitting me. This has to end. I can't let him have this power over me anymore.
I won't survive it if I do.
It's over. For real this time. I have to protect myself, because no one else can do it for me.
And if I don't walk away now, the next time... there won't be a next time.
I moaned out in pain, barely able to move, when I heard a soft voice beside me. "Are you okay?"
I slowly turned my head and saw Blue standing there, looking so worried. My mind was hazy, and I couldn't understand why she was in here alone.
"Blue...?" My voice was scratchy, my throat dry, and I could barely speak.
She rushed forward, her hands shaking as she moved around, clearly panicking.
"Are you in pain? I can call the nurse," she said, sounding frantic.
I tried to speak, but the words barely came out. "Blue..."
She looked at me, realizing what I needed. "You need water?"
