TRIGGER WARNING
#unicornchallenge – September 13, 2024
The first time she woke up, she was in his parent’s living room. Only partially conscious, she heard his parents tell him to take her home and face the consequences.
The next time she was conscious, she was in her dad’s arms and he was picking her up from the driveway, bloody and broken.
She didn’t remember much of the week that followed. Just the painful injuries and a constant heartache. She started to recover, but even after months passed, she was not the same. Not even after years.
A lifetime passed. The girl went on to be successful professionally and personally. Something was never right. She went to the family cemetery, drawn to it as if she were being pulled. She sat down by her grandparent’s graves to figure out what was plaguing her.
Suddenly, she heard her grandfather’s voice, as clearly as if he were standing there.
“It wasn’t your fault,” he said. “He was an abuser and showed his true colors that night. You almost didn’t survive it.”
In her thoughts, the girl replied, “I must have done something terrible. I must have been an awful person or he wouldn’t have done it. I’ve worked so hard since but never felt good enough.”
She heard her grandfather say, “My precious granddaughter, you’ve been successful in all you’ve ever done. You’ve just not been able to let that one night and a crazy man go. Let it go now and remember how much you are loved.”
Thanks to C.E. Ayer and Jenne Gray for hosting the #unicornchallenge!
The Write Scribe 
Horrific scarring, both external and internal, from an experience you bring to life so well.
But the innder scarring is the one that’s hardest to deal with.
I can see her sitting by the graves and the voice coming to her, just as you describe.
Sometimes we need silence to let the truth be heard unrestricted by habitual thoughts and fears.
A powerful story., Rosemary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jenne!
LikeLike
This is very moving. i’m drawn into the thoughts and confusion of your poor main character. I love how you’ve shown the initial event that caused her so much harm – the two experiences of regaining consciousness in his home and then her own parents’ driveway (!). Very good. It’s so authentic, so real. And the graveyard scene works as well – difficult to convey this sort of supernatural occurrence convincingly, but you’ve achieved it successfully. Powerful story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your comments, Margaret!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, Rosemary, this is a harrowing tale of victim guilt, something that has been bred into the female of our species for generations.
I hope we are now starting to move forward from there, but I fear it is a long path.
Powerful piece of writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, CE. Excellent analysis – victim guilt. You’re right, of course. Women blame themselves when they shouldn’t. But how to fix that? I have no answers. Yes, a long road. Thank you again for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, her late grandfather’s compelling words will bring her the closure she so desparately needs. Excellent, Rosemary.
LikeLike