The Next Chapter Room

Tag: Embodiment

  • The Scanner

    The Scanner

    —

    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    I scan.Not because I want to.Because I had to. I learned it in childhood.Scanning to make sure my mum was still breathing. I learned it through sexual assault.Through abuse.Through relationships. I learned to notice the pause before the pause.The invitation that softened.The door that stopped being held. I felt withdrawal before it was spoken.My body…

  • The Pool

    The Pool

    —

    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    He gifted me the pools.An experience. A place. At first, it felt like something shared.Something that was introduced through him. When everything ended, I didn’t stay away.I went that first weekend knowing he was out of town.Not to avoid himbut to give myself space. I knew what I needed.The water. I craved the weight of…