Ghost

She lays floating on her back in the public pool, feeling his presence swim closer to her. He wanted PDA, but she just wanted to enjoy the summer sun.

 

I dance in the rain, my arms spread out wide as the drops land on my body. My eyes meet his as I beckon him over with a smile to wrap me in his arms, dancing with me in the freeing rain.

 

His grip tightened on her wrists as she tried to pull away, she knew it would leave bruises on her sun kissed skin. All she said was that she wasn’t in a mood to be coddled. This wasn't the first time he was angry that he didn’t get his way, and she knew it wouldn’t be the last.

 

I smile up at him and nod my head, giving him permission to bring his lips to mine in what would be our first kiss. His grip was soft, comforting as he pulled me to him, he always asked before taking a new step. I knew it was only the first of many kisses we would share.

 

They were at the pool again, and he was angry she didn’t want to be held or comforted. His arms never felt like home to her. She tried to swim away, but his hands gripped her ankle tightly as he yanked her below the water, her head hitting the cement floor with a thud.

 

Tears streamed down my face after a particularly bad day. He held open his arms to me and I folded myself tightly against his chest. I felt safe, comforted, and at home. There was nothing more I could want in this moment.

 

Sometimes I find myself awake at night, the ghost of his iron grip wrapped around my wrists. My mind breaks and my chest tightens until I feel the phantom arms wrap comfortably around my waist and his smell fills me with a sense of home. My body relaxes as I remember I made it and I’m okay.