HANDLE WITH CARE

love and patience

With these hands, how do I handle something so fragile? Once abused and neglected. Raped and hospitalized. A tortured past of which I cannot go back and change for HER. All we have is now and onward. Of course, there was a beginning. We were introduced. I fell in love. In the blink of an eye. I was helpless. She was quiet but always loving. We settled for kisses and holding hands. I became frustrated. I wanted more.Then came the explanation and it changed everything. How do I say I love you besides using words? How do I say I need you without making you feel pressured? How do I say I want you without touching your body that still needs healing? The remnants of bruises and scars are still visible on her body. She will never forget. Forgiveness is buried so deep inside of her there is no light that can reach it. There are late night phone calls due to recurring nightmares. Memories of the past distract her in the middle of conversations. I always announce my presence beforehand when she is not expecting me. Occasionally when we disagree I keep my demeanor calm never volatile. There are other precautions that I take because although she's getting better each day, there is no deadline for a broken heart to get better. She will never trust anyone completely again. Never give anyone her heart fully. Never love again without restrictions. But I accept it. Because I love her. I know there should be more of an explanation than that, but I just do. Now and always.Someday the healing will end. We will show that we love each other with more than just words, but also with our bodies. We will take care of each other and we will start a new life...She is in my arms. She kisses me. I say "I love you." She whispers in my ear "thank you." I smile and close my eyes... Where else in the world would I rather be?

Author's Note

Dedicated to Courtney and other survivors and the people that love them

Reviews

[Yari Garcia]

I find this story to be very realistic. A relationship with someone who has been through trauma requires care, compassion, and patience.

I enjoyed that you managed to express the speaker's longing for more of her, without making him seem selfish. Very well done.

Yari

[Tate Morgan]

Loving a soul so injured by her past is never easy and may not be a good idea. Some things cant ever be overcome. i wish you well

[Mariah Renae]

My heart just broke and was pieced back together again. Such a beautiful way to address a jarring and sensitive subject.

[siobhan]

I like this a lot. Really takes on that grief and that anguish you carry when a new relationship begins, however things do get better as you go along. Well that is for me anyways. I liked the descriptive words used and everything else.

[Great Aunt Astri]

This is a very lovely story. He loves her despite everything. That is so uplifting. It must be so difficult to' let go' the experience of abuse, and all the feelings associated with it. I think he is right. 'all we have is now and onward.'. I hope there will be future beautiful memories.

[Zoya]

Wow, that was tender and moving at the same time. I felt this one. Well done!

[R.E. Ray]

An incredibly touching story, clearly written with sincerity, humility and love. As you convey in this story, abuse can cause long-term and often irreparable damage. Sometime, the best and perhaps only thing you can do is show them unconditional love, something that someone caused them to question. Well done, KC.

[49k_jdys]

This is so gorgeous and relatable. It makes me wish that I had had someone like this when I went through my trauma back in high school. Now I'm grown and have a better sense of self assurance and confidence, but way back then I was so broken and alone. Great write!

[Coyote Poetry]

I understand your words and your thoughts.
"Someday the healing will end. We will show that we love each other with more than just words, but also with our bodies. We will take care of each other and we will start a new life...She is in my arms. She kisses me. I say "I love you." She whispers in my ear "thank you." I smile and close my eyes... Where else in the world would I rather be?"
I knew woman who became cold. Slow and easy was needed. The above lines. True and kind. Thank you my friend for sharing the worthwhile words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Warrior]

I am so appreciative that someone has written about this. Many women have had to endure such pain and I have no idea how they can handle that. But they are strong and capable women.
I'm glad that men who care like this still exist.
Thank you for writing this.