No matter how many times Jackie brushed her teeth, she could still taste him. His seed and his kisses. His essence. No matter how many times she showered and scrubbed at her skin, she still felt grimy and filthy.

No matter what, she felt repulsed by herself. Her looks and what her heart feels and what thoughts filter her brain. And it’s like no matter what she does, none of it goes away. She’s forever drowning and agonized.

She just wanted to be happy. But the rare moments when she was, she felt guilty for it. Further disdain for herself.

There was the sound of her bedroom window opening. She thought it was maybe Jeff, coming back because he forgot something. But he always made more noise when entering.

“Jax?”

Lifting her tormented eyes to the mirror, she saw your smiling face behind her in the doorway to her bathroom.