The Cool Evening Air by Mesa Marks

The cool evening air felt sharp against my battered skin. The silence of the woods enhanced

my feeling of loneliness. I could taste the coppery tinge of blood in my mouth as his fists collided with my body. All I could see of him was his eyes. Those dark eyes that had once shown his love for me, now took on a more animal like form. I felt so weak, so alone. The raindrops that had begun to fall felt like gunshots against my face and arms. I was helpless, too weak to fight back; all I could do was lie there while he continuously thrust his fists toward my aching body.

            Suddenly, it all stopped. The animal like eyes were scared away by more tender, bright green eyes. He looked intimidating, yet gentle. I flinched as he reached out to me, but he still stood there, cautious, as though waiting for my approval. As he helped me stand up, he wrapped his arms around me like a blanket of warmth and safety. I looked up into those green eyes and began to cry. The rain continued to fall, as though the clouds were weeping along with me. My bruised skin was the only reminder of the horror that had just taken place, the warmth of his embrace made it all seem like a horrid nightmare. I had to remember that this was not just a nightmare though. My mind spun in a tsunami of horror and confusion. In fear of my judgment, my safety, and the man I thought I loved, it was no longer my body that ached, but my heart instead.