THIRTY-FOUR.

As Ele carefully removes the wet towel from my back, I hiss when a burning sensation feverishly licks my wounds.

“You are going to have some pretty scars when they heal,” Ele whispers, inspecting my back as she tosses the towel on the ground. “Don’t be afraid to show them off, Val. Wear them with pride and show the world that you survived today’s assault.”

Slightly turning my neck to look at her, “is that what you do?” I whisper with my eyes trailing over her bare arms.

She snorts, nodding her head, “there was a point in my life where I used to hide my scars. They made me feel dirty, reminding me of the abuse and trauma that comes with them. Now, when I think about it, I kick myself for wasting so much time hiding my battle scars like they were a dirty secret. I’m seriously contemplating getting them tattooed and flaunting them every chance I get.”

As she speaks her truth, her eyes sparkle with determination and survival instinct, forcing me to believe everything she says in awe.