Sweet pea soap
consoled purple and green bruises
on wrists and ribs
like dark wine on a white tablecloth
        Stuck.

She sunk deeper
into the bath
let them disappear
she became unblemished
untouched
spared.

She breathed in.

She breathed out.

Reached for soap
and ring caught skin
recoiled her arm jerkily
like a broken jack-in-the-box.

One Vermilion Pearl
tumbled down
and she felt bruises grow jealous.
They pounded on that obstinate wall
grumbling to get out
while this single drop broke
         Free.

And she had done that.
Her.
Not him.
Lucy felt power.
The drop rolled down her wrist and into the grimy water.
Others followed.
The water darkened.

Lucy pulled the drain plug.
Again.
Stared admirably
at the ******, crimson ring
in her quivering hand.

So beautiful
even through the gore.
It slipped silently down the drain
With blood and sweet pea soap and mascara and bath water and tears.
And for the first time

Lucy slept sound.