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Chapter Twenty

Fuck! What the hell was that, Beauty?

Y ou almost ran me over because you carelessly crossed the intersection at a red light. What’s wrong with you? Why do I always have to stop you from doing something stupid? You make me angry, Beauty!

I was on my way home and wanted to check on you first, like I do every evening, to catch at least a small glimpse of you, even if it’s only through your window. The main thing is that I can see you and know you’re okay. But you don’t look good right now, Beauty.

You almost got me and put yourself in danger. You’re not looking after yourself. Nothing should happen to you! Don’t you understand that, Beauty? You are precious to me. And if I’m not around, no one will properly care for you, don’t you see?

I look at you. My nostrils quiver, and I want to grab and shake you until you come to your senses. But then I recognize something on your cheek. A shadow! He hit you?!

I quickly grab your chin, pull it up toward me, and inspect it further—the reddish glow on your cheek that makes my blood boil. You try to escape my grip, hide something from me he did to you! The rage inside me becomes uncontrollable and rushes through my body like a thunderstorm.

“What happened?” I ask with the last of my patience.

I can barely control myself. But when your eyes widen, and you pull away from me as if you’re afraid of me, I regain my composure. I come to my senses because only you are important right now.

I look firmly into your eyes, my hand finds your cheek again, and my thumb lightly strokes your redness. Then it happens; you burst into tears because of that swine. Your head tilts against my chest, you lean against me, looking for support and comfort, and you collapse entirely.

Everything inside me screams to go to him and give him what he deserves. But how could I leave you alone now when you need me so badly? Be angry with you for being careless again?

I can’t, if only because I won’t fail this time. This time, I will protect what is precious to me so that no more blood will be shed.

That’s why I’m wrapping my arms lovingly around you, holding you, catching you, and giving you the protection and security you need right now.

I’m here for you, Beauty! Always …