Stupid girl. Just leave.
The bruises all over your body, around your neck—they match the shape of his hands. Everybody knows.
He says he’s sorry. It won’t happen again. You just made him so angry. He loves you.
Bullshit.
His words are weapons.
What are your excuses this time? You actually believe him? Still? How many times does he have to hit you? How many promises does he get to break? How many glasses? How many bones?
Will you leave by cab or body bag?
The woman in the mirror doesn’t respond. She just keeps putting makeup over the bruises.
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Hall of mirrors
Things used to matter, before all the noise. And at that time when things still had meaning, there had been dreaming too, when dreams still mattered. And the brightest dream from those times was full of mountains and seas and smiles and the types of passion that absorbs you the way a dog is absorbed by witnessing something for the first time: with absolute presence, and awe.
By Giulia Viti3 days ago in Fiction
The Chicken Head
In the bustling town of Warri, located in Delta State, Nigeria, lived a couple named Daniel and Vera. They were known in their community for their lively debates and occasional quarrels, but their love for each other always prevailed. However, on this particular day, a seemingly innocent argument over a meal turned into a heated exchange.
By Emmanuel Ojenike7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (23)
Awesome writing! Powerful message!
The story in the mirror is true for so many. Well done ❤️
Wow, this is powerful. I’m glad I read it. So true what women have to endure and be told over and over again. The “lie” of love. Whatever. Thanks for writing it.
Wow. That twist at the end where it was the girl talking to herself all along... That hit hard.
This story paints a picture that breaks my heart but speaks to a truth that effects way to many people. Excellent writing. I saw this story on your interview with Heather.
Truth hits hard
This is amazingly written. Extremely talented
oh wow. That is disturbing, and powerful. well done.
Woah. Shocking and brutal. Brilliantly done, Aphotic!!
Shii..this hits hard. Importantly so. There's still a cleverness and poeticness like Heather said. That helps to carry the message. I almost feel like this could be connected to one of my own Micro pieces for the challenge. Such a great piece and an all-too-common sad reality.
Wow. Your ability to portray this situation was poetically brutal, resigned and so very sad. It's such a tragic reality for too many. What a powerful piece. Excellent work.
Aphotic, this is a really jarring and trigger piece for me. It's heartbreaking and yet I find myself searching for empathy for the "stupid girl". This was relatable, believable and thought provoking!
So hopelessly heartbreaking - you’ve captured something so awful, yet the way you’ve written it is beautifully poetic 😢
Tragic truth, so difficult to persuade oneself, because those who abuse tend to be savage manipulators as well.
Well damn… I’m resisting the urge to make a pun about how this micro fiction packs a punch. But I just said it. This is true to life horror. And I know we’re supposed to empathize with the victims, I just have such a hard time doing it. Because sometimes they’re mothers. With children like me, who had no choice. Other times, they’re daughters. Sisters. Friends. It’s so hard to witness this happen to a loved one, especially when they have the support and options to leave.
Oh, this is so compelling. 🥺❤️ The way she knows, but continues with the cycle. Truly heartbreaking, yet the story of so many. ❤️ Very, very well done!
Wow- heartbreaking and profound. I love that you have the thoughts running through her head and the numbness and non-response of the woman in the mirror- you portrayed the complexities and dualities of the human mind/emotions so perfectly. This is a very strong piece.
Excellent! Well written, and you capture the emotions and turmoil perfectly
The worst kind of horror: it happens every day and the victims often cannot end it.
Will you leave by can or body bag? That was such a powerful question. It's a choice between life or death. Gosh loved your story so much!
Stirs sadness and anger
Powerful.
Sadly Too true. 🥲😡