Days like today should come with a warning label, I muse. Today’s Going to Suck! Skip the Coffee and Go Straight for the Alcohol.

The aftermath of bearing shackles is an exquisite devastation, fraught with the ravages of survival. Even though one is no longer held captive—be that from a person, a government, or one’s inner self—the scars are deeply engraved into one’s psyche, and there’s no remedy for the soul. Many have the misconception that freedom equals happiness forever and ever.
That’s a wicked delusion.

I’ll stab him,” offers Jaden as she makes a stabbing motion.
“You expect me to play along?” Rob scoffs, gripping his arm protectively.
“Pretty much,” replies Landon earnestly.
“You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
“No,” argues Rob. “I’m not going to let Jaden—or anyone else—skewer me.” He’s greeted with an amused silence. “Bleedin’ crime is what it is,” he mutters. “Why can’t someone else go all noble sacrifice-y? It’s because I’m English, ain’t it?

He holds her with the strength of a million-man army, but with all the tenderness of her heart lying naked in the palms of his hands.

Shut the front door!” Jenna exclaimed.

Andrew disappeared into the foyer, and when he returned, his eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. “The door is shut?

Joseph, you’re out of clean towels.” Lucia poked her head into the living room, the rest of her hidden behind the wall. Her red hair dripped water onto my wooden floors.

“She’s in the buff.” Jenna guffawed. Gabriella rolled her eyes, beaming.

I rose. “Go back to the bathroom. I’ll bring you a towel,” I ordered Lucia. She disappeared down the hall.

“You have naked angels running around your house,” Jenna continued through her laughter. Gabby laughed louder.