pwbad

They met at a contemporary art exhibition. Pvbed was bright, charismatic, with a piercing gaze that seemed to see the essence of things. Sanchez, a quiet, introverted artist who painted watercolors for herself, felt seen for the first time in her life. He showered her with compliments, telling her that her modesty was a sign of depth, and that her work was brilliant in its simplicity. For Sanchez, it was like the best dream. The first months were magical. Pvbad showered him with attention, telling him that he had finally found his soulmate. He brought her into his bohemian circle, and Sasha, flattered, blossomed under the rays of his love. But gradually the light began to fade. It all started with minor comments. The guy, himself a failed art critic, began to criticize her technique. "Sanchez, my dear," he said tenderly, and the nickname made her heart skip a beat. "Just look at that smear. It's so... amateurish. But never mind, I'll teach you. Without me, it would be hard for you to get through." Then it was his friends' turn. -Is that Just? He sees you as a thing. He doesn't value you. And that Katherine? She's using you to brag about her relationship with an artist. They're no match for you, believe me. I'm the only one who sees you for who you are and loves you for who you are.

Sanchez, initially unsure of herself, began to believe. He only wanted the best for him. He loved him. She gradually cut off all old ties. Her world narrowed to their studio apartment and Pvbad. The manipulations became more subtle and poisonous. If she tried to object, Pvbad would roll his eyes and pretend he was imagining things.

• That's not what I said, Sasha. You're overdramatizing everything. You have an overly sensitive imagination, it prevents you from being understood. It was called gaslighting. It made him doubt his own perception of reality. After a particularly cruel scene, where he could trash his new job or ridicule his opinion in front of guests, "repentance" would set in. He would cry, kiss his hands, say that he could not control himself because he loved him too much and was afraid of losing him.