Your arms wrap around me,Squeezing me tighter and tighterUntil all I’m aware of are my ribsPiercing through my skin.You squeeze life out of me,Until all that is leftIs a hollow shell.Sunken eyes hide in dark cavesAnd peer out only to see a sallow faceLooking back at them.They rest on top of black thundercloudsWhich will never dissipate.Your head rests on my shoulderAs you whisper sweet nothings into my ear.Empty is good.Ignore the pain.You’ll feel better soon.Your smooth voice melts into my brainLike the warm butterYou’ve convinced me is poison.I know you’re abusive.I know you’re overpowering.I know you’ve consumed all that I am.You’ve turned me against friends and family,But I don’t care.You’re the only one that matters to me.You’re the only one I love.I ask you,Why am I so cold?Why am I so tired?Why do I constantly ache?You tell me it’s natural.You tell me I’m over exaggerating.You tell me it’s all in my head.You stay with me for yearsAnd I convince myselfThat our relationship is thriving.I’ve never been happier.I’ve never been happier.Then why do I feel so sad?Even though you’ve leftI still feel your arms around me.Still hear your smooth voiceWhispering in my ear.You’ll take me back.You miss me.You’re nothing without me.I miss you.I will always miss you.But I know that I’m better off without you.Yours Creatively,Sarah Flanigan, Online Contributor