Losing the mask
Standing on the edge of death on the stormy cliffs, I wonder if I am worth saving, if anyone even cares about me. Will anyone remember me when I am gone or has my miserable life been for nothing?
So giving and selfless, enduring my pain, putting on a brave face for others and for once I want to do something for myself.
My toes curl over the edge, my hair flowing wildly in the wind. It seems Mother Nature is having just as bad a day as I am.
As I begin to step off the edge I hear a chorus of no's behind me, right before a strong, warm, pair of arms wraps around my waist jerking me from the edge.
I close my eyes and lean into the muscled chest I know so well while his hot breath caresses my neck. I feel us sitting and his arms tighten around me, afraid to let go. I feel warm drops hit my bare shoulder and I tilt my head up in confusion.
"Why," he chokes, "why would you try to jump? Do you now realize what that would do to me or your family?"
"It hurts so much. I keep putting on a brave face and I just couldn't wear it anymore."
"Then don't," he whispered, "let us in to help rebuild you. That's what family id for, to pick up the broken pieces and pull you out of the storm."
It was at that point that I realized they could already see behind the mask and it was a waste of effort to keep in place.
My realization hit me like a ton of bricks as I broke down and wept. I turned my face into his chest and clung to him for dear life. He just kept me in his arms, buried his face in my hair and rocked me.
We were there all night, me safe in his arms while he slowly put me back together piece by broken piece. When the sun hit the cliffs in the morning I woke to a new life and haven't looked back.
A/N for those wondering, no she isn't naked she's in a tank top which is really stupid since it was raining and cold but when I wrote this yesterday that's what flowed onto the page and it makes since to me so suspend some disbelief.