It's not often real that you encounter the real person behind a good-natured mask, the darkest part of someone. It's not comfortable what you do.

One choice can transform you.
One choice can destroy you.
Once choice will define you.

Sometimes I still forget to look for the gentler parts of her. For so long all I saw was the strength, standing out like the wiry muscles in her arms or the black ink marking her collarbone with flight.

One thing I know: For helping me forget how awful the world is, I prefer her to alcohol.

I'll be your family now." ~ Tobis 'Four

What is wrong with you?' I shake my head. 'Pull it together.'
And that's what it feels like: pulling the different parts of me up and in like a shoelace. I feel suffocated, but at least I feel strong.