The world seemed to shrink to the confines of my bedroom, the soft mattress a haven from the storm raging within me. I collapsed onto it, clothes still clinging to me from the day before, a testament to the emotional exhaustion that had overtaken me.

Tears flowed freely, hot and salty against my skin, as I buried my face in the pillow. Why did I have to feel like this? Why did Dawzon have to make me feel so vulnerable, so exposed? Did I deserve this? It felt so unfair, so cruel, and the only answer I could find was a choked sob, a silent plea for relief.

couldn't even...