Monsters Within

Epilouge

It's been so many years since that day. Since that time in my life for that matter, and I've long since left home. 20 years. I am 37 now. Hard to believe this all took place when I was 17. Only a child. Yet I went through so much.

I woke up today to his lovely face again, as always. Cole and I got married when we were 25, on the day we first kissed, the day we met. May 21st. Spring, my favorite season. The smells, the color, the flowers. But it's not always great, we both knew it would be this way.

Some days, I wake up, screaming at my dad not to hit me. Other days I sit in a corner rocking back and forth as the darkness reaches me. Others I lay in bed, curled up, unwilling to move, overwhelmed by thoughts of my past, of what I did to those I loved.

Yes, I loved Gale. I always did, but I'm afraid, he never loved me, as he said he did. I haven't heard from him since a few days after the hospital. He had the right to know, so I explained why I chose Cole over him, the difference between them. It crushed him, I knew. But it was for the best.

I hope he found someone he truly loved. He needs that. But I've the worst feeling that he didn't make it very far into adulthood. That also haunts me.

I don't think I'd survive without Cole. He stayed with me through everything. And I thank him everyday for it. For, he goes through the same, from time to time. And I am there for him, as he is there for me.

Nadia and I keep in touch. She lives close by me, and we often visit. She saved my life and for that I am ever grateful.

I feel Cole stir and he opens his eyes sleepily, his hair is messy, and his voice is slurred from sleep. "Morning beautiful, how are you?"

I look over into his brown eyes and smile pleased that he his mine. "Wonderful Cole, I am completely and utterly wonderful."