It was not her. // When she saw me hurting, she knew it was not her. // When she saw me sobbing, it was not her. // When she saw me choking on my breath, // when she saw me shaking in shock, // when she saw me screaming for an escape, // it was not her. // I cowered in my skin and it was not her. // And when I was dying, it was not her, for once. // I stole away from her her hands and her broken rage, // her sorrow and terror, her unwavering pain, // so that for once, she would not have to hurt again. // I was so kind, so for once, // it was not her.