In her nightmares, she is alone.

Everything is dark-the light in her life has gone out. Or he has left; sometimes she isn't really certain. Other times she knows exactly where the light has gone. Away from her. That's all that matters, really. He is no longer with her, and everything is dark. She cannot see her hand in front of her face, but she can see lurking silhouettes in the distant darkness.

She has never in her life needed or wanted the protection of a man. But she feels vulnerable when she is without him. Her entire life, she has been independent, sturdy on her own two feet, and perfectly capable of protecting herself. But when it comes to him, she wants his protection, rather than needs it. She feels safe in his presence. She does not want to lose him.

Some nights, he has grown tired of her, and moved on with his life. Others, he simply grows tired of the particular levels of stress that their relationship places on him. Others still, he meets someone new. These are the nightmares that hurt the most. Because while she may not be the best for him, she knows with full certainty that he is the best for her.

He is her rock, her shield, the north star in an endless night sky. He keeps her grounded, he keeps her safe, he makes sure that she is constantly aware that she is loved. He is the light at the end of her darkness.

This is not the case in her nightmares, because in her nightmares, she is completely and utterly alone.

On nights like these she will wake up with a start, her skin glistening with a cold sweat and her breath fast and labored. She will look over at the other side of the bed, afraid that her nightmares will have come true and that he will be gone. She is always wrong. He is always there.