It was such an intense sense of discomfort. Such an overwhelming feeling of confusion and disappointment. A powerlessness, and helplessness, that pervaded through every fiber of her body as she remained utterly motionless under the covers. No longer were the covers enough to comfort her, they were there only to hide her. Hide her from the reality of her situation and the daughter she feared she didn't really know anymore and the resulting shame of it all.

It was this peculiar mix of emotions, and the absolute inability for Danielle to deal with or contend with them that led to a most obscene coping mechanism. Shame gave way to arousal;...