The Next Chapter Room

Tag: Resilience

  • The Coercive Controller

    The Coercive Controller

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    by

    Harper Leigh
    in

    He was a breath of fresh air.Until he wasn’t. The connection was instant.I told myself I had been through a lot.I deserved to give this a chance. He said he could see us lasting.That this was something special.I was hesitant.I wanted to believe. He was attentive. Consistent.Yes, I thought. That’s what I need. He mowed…

  • The Scanner

    The Scanner

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    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

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    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…

  • Waiting is not Passive. It is Preparation.

    Waiting is not Passive. It is Preparation.

    —

    by

    Harper Leigh
    in ,

    Waiting is often misunderstood. It is framed as doing nothing, as sitting still until something happens, as holding your breath for the outcome you want. But waiting is rarely empty. Waiting is preparation. Not only for the outcome you are expecting, but for the outcome you may not see coming. Because life does not always…