The pain

She did not smile back, choosing instead to remain angry. It was like a challenge and he accepted it because one day her hatred for him would help her survive. She needed him and he was determined to do what he could for her. He owed her at least that much.

He stepped back into the shower stall as she approached. Her head was lowered and her cheeks were pink, but at the same time purple, green, yellow, and blue as she walked cautiously toward him. Suddenly, fleeting images of her bloody bruised body, and of his past merge into one, as if a human being was reliving a terrifying memory. A strong emotion swept through him, and he was glad that the steam from the shower and the sound of water rushing against the wall had covered it all up.

Eric blinked, fighting the thoughts and voices in his head. When Kitten reached forward, using his arms and shoulders for support, he only saw and thought of her.

“God, it's like a sauna in here,” said Kitten. She looked up, her face full of tension.