On certain days, the desire to hurt or kill was so powerful that it could not be ignored. There were the days when a slight trigger could cause the fragile facade of civilization to vanish, exposing the beast lurking within.

Today was different because I had her by my side.

In my room, we were together. She was asleep, nestled against my side with her thin arms wrapped around me and her face tucked into the curve of my neck. Holding her with one arm, I gently caressed her smooth dark hair, reveling in its soft and silky feel. Her hair had grown long over the seven and a half...