Odessa, 25

Odessa stumbled in Bruised, bleeding, broken "Honey, what happened?" "Just some tea, please." Hijab around her neck like a noose Ripped silk and torn skin. She sank into a chair in the corner of the cafe Owner wouldn't mind, she did this all the time. Curled up in her baggy jacket Crying into her tea *Allah, why'd he do this to me?* He'd been so sweet, once upon a dream. Bought her roses, his eyes bright green. First time was an accident, Second time she cried, Third she was afraid to leave Took her phone and killed her dreams. "Sweetie, read a book. It might replace everything he took." She picked it up, it made her cry "I was his, he wasn't mine." She read the stanza over again It sounded just like when her abuses began "Slapped me once, he slapped me twice" Just like her boyfriend, he's not very nice. The tears don't stop, the pages end She thinks, just maybe, she's found a friend. The tea cup is empty, and she gathers her strength To start on a path without any restraint The book's in her jacket, stealing's not her forte *Allah, please bless Miss Shayne Gagne.*