The church bells ring and she stands in the back for everyone to see. Her face not revealed, her bones shaking at the nervousness of the situation. She could run, but she couldn’t hide. She takes deep breaths as she spots the one who asked for her hand in marriage in the front of the church. He smiles at her lovingly and she faintly smiles back. She attempts to move her feet but she can’t. She gulps as her feet stay firmly on the ground and she uses her strength to the fullest, but to no avail. It’s her big day yet, she doesn’t feel like it. She feels scared, lost, worried, alone, terrified. And she knew the reason. The demons that tried to trap her inside. The ones who made her weak, vulnerable, abused and as if life had no purpose.

This wasn’t real, she thought. She closed her eyes for a second and when she opened the faces became distorted, haunting, laughter filled the air as she realized it was directed at her. She began to panic as she looked around and the screams became louder, fierce and mocking as she blinked her eyes, but it wouldn’t go away. Her breaths became short and she felt lightheaded but the sound of one voice made her eyes snap open after she had closed them again.

“This is what you want. Forgive. Yourself and forgive others for it does not matter now as long as you see him.” the voice said in her mind. Him. She peeked through her veil and suddenly the screams silenced and the room seemed whiter than usual.

“You’re look so beautiful.” her farther whispered and she snapped out of her trance. She looked at him and couldn’t speak as she looked around once more.

“Don’t do it. You’ll regret it.” the voices whispered and she shook her head. No, she screamed inside herself.

“I won’t let you win. You tormented me for so long and I won’t do it anymore. This is my day. He loves me.” she hissed inside her mind. Him.

“God please protect me.” she whispered. She closed her eyes briefly for one moment and opened them she had seen his shadow. He was there. He faded into a spirit that wrapped himself around her as she prayed inside just like she had learned to do. She prayed harder than ever had before and when she opened her eyes the voices had subsided. She was back in the real world, no longer in the abyss of her imagination as he gently touched her arm.

“It’s time darling.” he said as she faintly nodded and her feet began to move slowly as the music played. She took deep breaths and heart pounded.

“I will not give in. I am not the same person long ago. I am saved. I will no longer fight for my life. I am healed. You can’t hurt me.” she whispered as tears fell down her eyes and her inner self battled with the ones who held her back and the ones who brought down so far, getting back was impossible. But in fact, it was possible. Because of him. He gave her strength and now was the time to use it. With her head held high and no longer wanting to submit to sorrow, she flexed her fingers and wrapped them tightly around the bouquet and stopped her tears as she walked down the aisle. Strong and unifying. For she was apart of him. He made her and saved her from herself.

She looked at the many faces staring back at her. Fighting the violence that once marred her broken soul, she knew she would unite the pieces together to become whole again as this day was to be hers and to permanently change the way of life. Her feet released from chains and replaced with peace.

Her porcelain face shining just a little in the light as her brown waves of hair had cascaded down her face as she looked straight ahead now. This was her victory. She was free. The urgency she need was here now.

And as she came closer to her love, she could not resist to smile. She kept her mind focused on him as he looked at her as if she was the most beautiful thing ever, and she was. She moved her feet quicker to get to him. All her fears subsided, all the fighting had faded. Everyone who had brought her down she did not punish. She forgave. She forgave those who hurt her and knew it was better to forgive, but not forget for it had recreated what was once her. A damaged soul.

She was close, so close, as her body started to shake in excitement. She was anxious, nervous, but alright. Her strength intact within every inch of her soul, fighting the division that had no mercy.

But she had won. For she knew deep in heart God would protect her now. She was in his hands. He made her real again after all this time. And for that, she had rejoiced. Her love for herself and her love for him.

The priest encourages to come forward as she does so. She reaches her destination and kisses her father on the cheek as he hesitantly lets go of her. She smiles as she turns slightly and is faced to face with him. His black tux, and his eyes glossy and happy. It was their day. He absent mindedly took the hand of his bride as the priest began. She never took her eyes off him as the they stood there together; their flesh touching each other as if they became one. Their flesh abiding. Strong and unifying.

The past no longer haunting. The future not clear, but enough to know they would get through everything as long as they believed in him, and they did.

“I love you.” he whispered to her as she mouthed back. She almost began crying again, but contained herself.

Nothing would seize her and her special day. The day of a once broken cold, now restored and saved..

Beautiful bride.