Image: Bathers, 1950 by George Tooker
I don’t particularly care for their glances; those seconds of accusatory staring designed to make me feel uncomfortable.
They know nothing.
I swim because it’s my release.
My body is thin, lithe you might say.
Its what happens when you don’t eat, when the monster in your life dictates your every waking moment.
You spend all your time placating the beast. There is no time for you.
My swimming costume I wear to cover the marks, bruises and insults that are rained on me each day.
They say that the day of reckoning comes at a time you least expect it.
The monster had me in his clutches, he growled and I jumped, he rejoiced in my nightmare so when it came he was oblivious to my presence.
It was the singular most satisfying act of my life.
I relive it every day, the flash of silver, the blood, the look of terror on his face. He never once thought I might, but I did.
Damn, the muster bell, my new reality awaits.
Written for: http://magpietales.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/mag-277.html

Wow! What a compelling tale.
Thank you so much Candy appreciate you stopping by…..
For every action, there has to be, at some stage, a reaction. A disturbing narrative.
Thank you Gemma, yes you are right, very disturbing but within the realms of possibility.
You might be surprised at those (in real life) who will relate to this if they read it, Michael. Maybe not the ending, but the wish for that ending? My heart is still racing. . .
Thanks Mandy, I know there are women who have gone down that path, we had a case here no so long ago and I think she got off at the end of the trial, and deservedly so….
Really amazing tale this – and it reaches far beyond the ordinary – to resonate with many – on meaningful levels. Great perspective and understand Michael – truly.
And the ending – just wonderful – loved it.
Thank you MJ, it’s amazing where my mind goes at 3am…..thank you again for your comment.
3 a.m. ???
Oh dear – a sleepless night?
I have many – too many of those – and so I do understand – but at least we allow ourselves to wander freely – in the “in between hours” …
I hope you are well.
Yes I am good, I did fall back asleep I have to say, but in my awake time I came across that image and thoughts started to generate…
Indeed – glad to hear you are well – funny how images or words, phrases catch us – then stew and float around in the brain box – until the necessity bids us work them out – set them free. Happens to me too – and I end up on a spree 😉
Always compelling writing–I guess I don’t want to really think about what it means specifically. It can’t be good.
I think not Dell.thanks for stopping by.
Most welcome–I wouldn’t miss your posts, barring some unforeseen emergency.
This is so intense, thought provoking too.
Rosey Pinkerton’s blog
Gosh, this is brutal and so dark. Well done.
Thank you Freya appreciate you stopping by.
I think that even beasts can be slayed.. I think I can read that in her eyes.
This is fascinating .. at first I thought you were writing about an eating disorder, out of control .. then you took me in another direction. Well done.