Everything around me is moving so fast. I am, however, on the steps of a police station moving in slow motion. Ashley is next to me holding my hand tight. She has become my rock. She is my life.

She is looking at me. I know she feels me shaking. I haven’t stopped since I got in the car to come here.

“Spence are you okay?”

Not trusting myself to speak, I just nod my head that I am.

“Okay honey. Just remember, I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.” Her finger tips brush my hair back behind my ears as she smiles at me.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I remember something Nancy told me a few years back, but until now I never understood what she meant.

I was in so much pain from the broken ribs I had. She had told me to think of wild horses. That had been what she thought of every time to get through the pain that he caused her.

Wild horses to her meant freedom. They ran free like the wind, never trapped by walls or fences. They did what they wanted and went where they wanted.

I’ve wanted that for years. Now today, I finally have it.

“I’m ready to go inside.” Looking at the doors in front of me, I squeeze Ash’s hand on last time.

Taking each step towards those double doors, All I can think of is the pain Nancy and I suffered at his hands. The tears, the screams, and the cries that never seemed to end. Just like my never ending nightmares.

He is still there every time I close my eyes. I see his face. I feel his rough hands against me. I can still smell the scent of Old Spice. I don’t want him there. I want to be completely free of him. I want to run with the wild horses.

I see the person I want to be and with each step I take I am one step closer to being her. Throwing caution to the wind, I continue in my journey. Jumping head first into my new future. My future with Ashley. I am going to be free. Being scared isn’t an option anymore.

“You ready?” Ashley asks holding the door open for me.

“I am” I smile, and I think of the wild horses.

We walk in and the doors close behind us. Leaving the old me on steps, the new me moves forward towards my new life and new future.

I can’t remember a time in the past seven years that I have been this happy. This is it. Everything changes after today.

Today the silence dies forever. Today I am free.

The End!

****************

I hope you’ve enjoyed this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it