I can't let you go, he wept hugging my waist 
Don't, he begged as his tears drenched my layers
I stood in stoic silence holding his head

Memories flooded
Years of abuse and betrayal
His flared temper enmeshed with possessiveness
I was stifled

Entrapped, I wanted to break free
But he would plead for forgiveness
One last chance, that made me continue for years 
But that day something snapped in me
The day when he bloodied my flesh
My soul became silent

I didn't say a word
I didn't pack my things
I just left...
©LR