As I take another deep breath, trying to relax and ease the stress that is building within me, I smell him. I don’t know how long he sat here waiting for me to wake up, but his scent is stronger in this seat he just occupied. Having a man watch me while I sleep makes my skin prickle a little, but in a good way. It is his room, he can do what he likes, but the fact that he lets me sleep in his bed and watches over me brings an entirely new feeling to settle in my chest. I spent many nights watching over Mom, making sure she was okay, but never once has anyone watched over me. He may be ensuring I don’t run, don’t go to the police, or break his expensive furnishings in his room. But like the daydreamer I am, I’d like to think that he was being protective.

Surprisingly, I finish the bowl of fruit and feel extremely full, and for lack of anything else to do, I decide to go to the bathroom and shower. I want to be prepared for the day, even though I am not sure what the day will have ahead of me.

I coat myself in his soap again, the lathers and scent making me feel a sense of comfort, like the large grumpy man himself is here. I finish up and once I am out and dry, I put on the same white shirt I slept in because I have no other clothes. Brushing my hair with my fingers, I decide to braid it to keep it off my face. I love doing my hair in two braids; it makes me look like Lara Croft, and I feel invincible… even though I am anything but.

My body is flushed, and I realize I must have had the shower too hot because I can’t cool down. Just as I tie the last braid, my vision starts to go. I grip onto the vanity as I fall, but I don't feel the pain of my landing, as I am out before my body even slaps onto the floor.

Coming to, my head pulsates in pain, and I wince as I start to get up from the hard tiles. The sun is now streaming through the bathroom window, and as I sit and try to steady myself, I wonder how long I was out for. Fainting spells are not new; I know I don’t eat enough and having the shower too hot never helps my already weakening state. I run my hands over my body and feel nothing new, the lump in my breast still the constant reminder that my life is on a timeline.