Tinged

Ruby is a streetwalker dressed for death. Another woman who’s made it here, so men can live out their wet dreams. She knows this isn’t love. But she’s come too far and reached the deep end. She gives herself while her soul peels. Just enough touch to feel incredible. To feel somewhat terrible.

To get a thrill like Lola. A middle-aged woman with pedophobia who suffocated newborns. She eagerly showed the authorities how. Crush their little faces as they cry till they can’t cry anymore. Just enough silence to feel incredible. To feel somewhat terrible.

To live a lie like Mina who birthed her father’s daughter and told her she’s adopted. The child will never know. Not when she’s ten and learning how to put on makeup. Not when she’s twenty and studying to be a nurse. Not when she’s sixty and confined to a hospital bed. Just enough shielding to feel incredible. To feel somewhat terrible.

To hide like Willow. She survived a hitchhiker slitting her throat. After a tracheostomy and paralyzed vocal cords, she took up painting. Brushes, paint, and canvases crowd her room. She never leaves. Just enough isolation to feel incredible. To feel somewhat terrible.

To flee like Helen. Her mother tried to kill her during a mental breakdown. Years of abuse and disorder while being forced to recite scriptures. Trauma chewing through her skin daily. She hasn’t been home in a decade. Just enough escape to feel incredible. To feel somewhat terrible.

To be caged like Elizabeth for protection from pleasure. Never explored by hands other than her own. She memorizes the Bible and has doubts. A bittersweet happiness flavored with sadness. She sleeps alone and fantasizes about what she doesn’t have. Just enough imagination to feel incredible. To feel somewhat terrible.