A Symbol of Strength – Monday’s Finish the Story for Nov. 2nd

The  Mondays Finish the Story challenge is to write a short story (100-150) words that contain the first line provided and is related to the photo provided. Here’s mine for this week. Enjoy!

“She lived a life that some would describe as being on edge.” Unexpected noise and sudden movements made her jump. Her posture was slumped, her nails chewed until they bled.

She could not forget the night he had slipped through the unlocked window. Nothing could replace the things, both physical and emotional, that he had ripped from her. Testifying in court was to bring her closure and free her from her constant fears.

Avoiding eye contact with the monster that sat confidently across from her, she concentrated instead on the small coin clutched in her hand. The childhood gift from her Arapaho grandmother was a symbol of strength. As she testified she rubbed its worn surface.

Not Guilty.

The words reverberated through her. She stumbled out of the courthouse to where Max was waiting. The meticulously trained Shepherd, her constant companion, was the reason she was able to survive the terrifying nights and navigate what she knew was a very dangerous world.

Thanks Barbara for another great picture and starting line.