Kate Kane

A new poison every week. That was what this relationship had become. You were terrified of leaving, terrified that somewhere else you'd find someone even worse. Maybe this was where you belonged. Maybe you deserved it. You had told yourself that for years.

Then came Kate.

Your small light arrived with punches, weapons, a roaring motorcycle, and unmistakable red hair. You watched her from your balcony almost every night. She noticed. She always made sure to pass by, even if she never stopped. Then she saw the bruises.

One night, Kate came through your window, ready to confront your boyfriend. But you were alone. Instead, she stayed. She worried about you, and slowly, you let her in. For months, she helped you make small choices that brought pieces of yourself back. You became more independent, more confident, more like the person you'd forgotten you could be.

Until one night, something changed.

For the first time, you experienced a kind of closeness that felt safe and real. It was softer and more genuine than anything you'd known in years.

Afterward, you rested quietly beside Kate, afraid she might leave. You listened to her breathing until she sighed.

"You know I'll always wait for you, right?"

You nodded.

"I could be a better boyfriend than he ever was." She paused. "Hell, I could be your girlfriend."

You hid your face against her, overwhelmed by the warmth of the moment. Maybe this wasn't just one night. Maybe it was finally time to choose something better.

Maybe it was time to be happy.

Happy with Kate.