Thanks so much, Ika. Abusers like Thomas are insidious. They creep into your life like kudzu and by the time you've realized what happened, they're choking the life out of you.
As an abuse survivor, wow. This was really hard to read, but what an ending. Such an incredible emblem of hope, that little butterfly. Really well done❤️
Although there is a supernatural element to the story, it is all too real. I anticipated the ending once she had received the tattoo with the special sauce. Still, it was satisfying, though more grisly than I had expected. Although the butterfly intervened, Anna made the decision to be free and acted on it. That is a wonderful lesson. I admire your courage in writing on this piece.
These are not hot-off-the-press stories, Ken. I've revised them, but I wrote them sometime ago. I'm just thrilled they finally found an audience. Thank you for reading my stories!
Either way, your stories are great. You're very versatile, and I've enjoyed your work very much. I'm glad there's so much archive for me to go through, so certainly not complaining!
My mom and me and my sisters had an abusive husband/father. I was too small to remember most of it. The last memory of him I have was him handcuffed in our living room yelling, “Shannon, don’t let them take me! I’m sorry…”
I’m sure I’ve never given my mom enough credit for dealing with and getting out of that situation. But she never talks about it, even if I try to bring it up.
I’m sorry you had to deal with that. It’s hard to trust anyone after something like that (at least it has been for me.)
Abuse is far too common, and it was not something you talked about. Children of the 1970s and 1980s kept secrets. And a lot of times what is now considered abuse, was then considered discipline or a none-of-your-business situation. I dealt with a lot of shame and self-blame over the years, but have since learned that's part of the abuse cycle. To keep you with the abuser because who else would have you? You're too crazy, ugly, worthless, stupid, etc. for anyone else. Once you start believing those things, you find yourself completely dependent on the person who hurts you. In any case, your mother did a brave thing, and I'm so glad your family got out of that situation.
Very powerful story, Michele. Fantastic details and conclusion. I grew up with an alcoholic/abusive father and this was a reality for me for far too many years. Thank you for sharing and I’m glad you got your butterfly, too…
I love your stories, the are so entralling and grab your attention from beginning to end. I personally would of punched him back or worst, but that's Just me, too fiesty to put up with the likes of a man like him, his arse would be in Jail the first time he ever dared to lift his hand to me. They live the ones that are shy and they can lull into a false sense of security and they are loved and protected, then they start showing their true colors. They would never of even started to date me. I have a built in BS detector LOL 😆
What an asshole. I can't have such for a husband, I'd suffocate. I feel for her so much, it's a good ending imo. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks so much, Ika. Abusers like Thomas are insidious. They creep into your life like kudzu and by the time you've realized what happened, they're choking the life out of you.
They do have chameleon like abilities don't they. That is so true
Hard to read but so satisfying. Abuse survivor here, too. It was long ago and taught me some very important lessons. Love your work!
Thank you, Liz. I love your work, too. I really appreciate you reading the story and leaving a comment.
That was an amazing story. I am so happy you are free like a butterfly.
Thank you, Torry!
You are too good. TOO GOOD! I love this.
Thank you, Sean!
Excellent.
Thanks, Colin!
As an abuse survivor, wow. This was really hard to read, but what an ending. Such an incredible emblem of hope, that little butterfly. Really well done❤️
Sending you a carnivorous plant and hugs, Honeygloom. Thanks for reading. :-)
Thank you for writing it! You highlighted so many important aspects of the abuse that sometimes are overlooked❤️
Although there is a supernatural element to the story, it is all too real. I anticipated the ending once she had received the tattoo with the special sauce. Still, it was satisfying, though more grisly than I had expected. Although the butterfly intervened, Anna made the decision to be free and acted on it. That is a wonderful lesson. I admire your courage in writing on this piece.
You're very kind, K.C. Thank you!
Seriously jealous of your output. Started “Convert” yesterday but life intervened. Gives me something to look forward though, yes
These are not hot-off-the-press stories, Ken. I've revised them, but I wrote them sometime ago. I'm just thrilled they finally found an audience. Thank you for reading my stories!
Either way, your stories are great. You're very versatile, and I've enjoyed your work very much. I'm glad there's so much archive for me to go through, so certainly not complaining!
Thank you!!!
My mom and me and my sisters had an abusive husband/father. I was too small to remember most of it. The last memory of him I have was him handcuffed in our living room yelling, “Shannon, don’t let them take me! I’m sorry…”
I’m sure I’ve never given my mom enough credit for dealing with and getting out of that situation. But she never talks about it, even if I try to bring it up.
I’m sorry you had to deal with that. It’s hard to trust anyone after something like that (at least it has been for me.)
Abuse is far too common, and it was not something you talked about. Children of the 1970s and 1980s kept secrets. And a lot of times what is now considered abuse, was then considered discipline or a none-of-your-business situation. I dealt with a lot of shame and self-blame over the years, but have since learned that's part of the abuse cycle. To keep you with the abuser because who else would have you? You're too crazy, ugly, worthless, stupid, etc. for anyone else. Once you start believing those things, you find yourself completely dependent on the person who hurts you. In any case, your mother did a brave thing, and I'm so glad your family got out of that situation.
Very powerful story, Michele. Fantastic details and conclusion. I grew up with an alcoholic/abusive father and this was a reality for me for far too many years. Thank you for sharing and I’m glad you got your butterfly, too…
Thank you, Ken. I hope you got a butterfly, too. Living with an addict/abuser creates lifelong trauma. Writing about it is tough and therapeutic.
Yes, to all of this. It took a long time for me to get mine. And even then-- you'll see. There's a story come about that. For sure.
I love your stories, the are so entralling and grab your attention from beginning to end. I personally would of punched him back or worst, but that's Just me, too fiesty to put up with the likes of a man like him, his arse would be in Jail the first time he ever dared to lift his hand to me. They live the ones that are shy and they can lull into a false sense of security and they are loved and protected, then they start showing their true colors. They would never of even started to date me. I have a built in BS detector LOL 😆