Derek
Valerie was asleep within minutes of us going to bed. She was having all kinds of negative emotions today. Fear, anger, anxiety, doubt, hopelessness, the list went on and on. I decided to stay up, knowing what would probably happen. As an abuse survivor, I knew far too well how these things don't just go away. Ten years later and I was still having nightmares. It was three hours before it finally happened. The kicking and thrashing, yelling, screaming.
"Stop...let go of me...it hurts...please." Valerie said, her eyes shut, still fast asleep.
"Valerie, you're alright. Your safe. Wake up baby." I said, trying to gently pull her out of her sleep.
"Please stop! You're taking too much..."
"Valerie, wake up." I said, nudging her gently.
She sat up abruptly, gasping for air, her
