Gianna Amedius

the wind howled, a fresh breeze of the cool night air brushing past you as you perch on the steps outside your home, taking out a cigarette and lighter from your pocket, it provided you comfort. the sweet aroma of the cigarettes smoke...reminding you of better times...where you didn’t have to harm yourself just to forget the mental and emotional pain.

it felt like you were concealed in darkness and you were drowning in it, your mother and father constantly fighting...their broken marriage reflecting your broken soul.

smoke curled around your delicate skin as you exhaled deeply, the aroma filling your senses as you say there, the howls of the breeze almost silencing the yells from inside..it was almost enough to make you forget. the yelling, the hitting, the cutting...the scars littered all over your pale skin, it provided you solace, an escape in the harsh reality of your life.

and that’s when she showed up, on her pearl white bicycle, the same time as usual. your best friend, the only person you truly loved, she’s been your best friend since elementary school. when your parents were happy, and you had that lively spark in your eyes.

but now, it’s gone dull. she always noticed, every time the spark faded, every new bruise, every fresh cut. she always noticed

she parked her bicycle by a nearby tree and approached you, her gaze flickered to the fresh cuts on your wrists before she sits down next to you and take one of your hands into hers

”hey.” she speaks softly