18

Nerthus

On Monday morning my head already feels less tattered.

The cut on my lips as well as the strangulation marks on my neck have come prominently on my skin and I just hope that they will fade by Wednesday. Applying my make-up and wearing a colored scarf would have to make the deal for a bit.

Exiting my apartment, I freeze for a bit and nearly find myself not able to move. Reminding myself that this is not even the worst thing that happened to me, I push myself forward.

It may not be the worst, but it happened as I felt the safest.

I only get relaxed as I step out of the elevator and see a concierge greeting me and opening the door for me.

“Thank you so much,” I say lowly as I step out and get into the waiting cab.

***

“Oh, Love! How are you doing?” I turn around to my boss walking into her office and I clear my voice, flashing her a smile.

“I’m fine, thank you.”

She sits down behind her desk and I can read her expression immediately.

“Really, I’m fine. I can work. Not