Unknown Beginning

Part 62

And Riley just listened. Listened until she felt so heavy she wouldn't be surprised to see cinder blocks weighing her down. The crushing weight of all Kenny had endured this year with Tyler. The devastation Riley felt at the way Kenny relayed this information without any alarm. As if this was all normal.

Kenny didn't seem to recognize that she had walked past red flag after red flag, hand-in-hand with Tyler, blinded by his affection, as he led her into a grave and slowly began burying her alive. She didn't notice the thinning air or the light slowly fading to darkness just as the frog didn't notice the water gradually boiling around it. Or that the weight of this had diminished her ability to leave even if she had wanted to. Eaten away at her confidence, intuition, and self-esteem to the point she didn't even recognize any abnormalities or mistreatment in the relationship.

Yet Riley noticed. And she was alarmed. And disgusted. And afraid. She realized just how far in Kenny was and worried if she could pull her back out. Riley knew Kenny's relationship was comfortable to her and now normal. Recognized how hard it would be to walk away from the adoration and promises of a future filled with love despite a present pattern that disputed the fairytale. She also knew there was a chance Kenny's brain would miss the highs and lows of such a toxic relationship. The thrill of the roller coaster could be intoxicating while the hope of returning to the early days of their relationship could be devastating.

The hope of change, no matter how unlikely, could shackle someone. Hope, however promising, could easily trap a person into waiting for something that will never come. Especially when that hope revolves around a person you know and love rather than a stranger that has yet to be met. Even if the person you love is also the one hurting you. How do you walk away from the source of pain when it feels like they are also the only ones able to comfort you? Riley knew these were the barriers Kenny would be facing. Except Kenny wasn't alone. Despite Tyler's best efforts to isolate Kenny, intentional or not, Kenny still had Riley and she was determined to get Kenny out. She had slowly begun pointing out abnormalities in the relationship. Gradually hinted that things were not healthy. Not safe. Riley tried to express her concern while toeing the line to make sure Kenny did not feel judged or pressured and instead only felt love and support. She wasn't really sure what the best plan was to help Kenny but she resolved to try anything she could to help.