They told me it was a bad decision.

I told them I saw good.

They told me he'd be a bad influence.

I told them it'd be the other way around.

They told me he wouldn't treat me right.

I told them he'd changed.

I was blinded.

 

The 2 am call planted the first doubt.

"He's been cheating."

"He's taking advantage."

"It's been going on for weeks."

The words played on a continuous loop.

I believed him.

I was blinded.

 

Months later and more 2 am calls.

Different now.

"You're drunk again."

Over and over the words spilled out of my mouth.

"I'll change, I promise."

I stayed.

I was blinded.

 

Another call.

Unknown number.

"I need bail."

"I'll change, I promise."

I paid.

I was blinded.

 

No more calls, just a single text.

"Stop talking to me."

"I'm done."

Days of silence let the numbness settle in.

Another text.

"I'm sorry."

"I didn't mean it."

"Take me back?"

I was blinded.

 

They questioned me.

I told them I knew what I was doing.

They told me I was a fool.

I told them he loved me.

I was blinded.

 

I told myself he didn't know his own strength.

"I fell."

"It's nothing."

More makeup, long sleeves.

I had to tread lightly.

I was blinded.

 

I tried to ignore him.

He only got madder.

The ticking time bomb that was my relationship.

They tried to talk me out of it.

I told them it wasn't as bad as it seemed.

I was blinded.

 

Sleeping hurt.

Walking hurt.

Being with him hurt.

I couldn't breathe.

I was blinded.

 

It stopped.

The hurt, the lies, the calls.

It all stopped.

The truth came out.

The makeup was washed off.

I could see.