It was the bounce in her walk, the confidence in her smile, and…. the whimsical red hair-ornament perched on her unruly tresses. The same feathered concoction that I’d picked on an impulse and never dared wear. To successfully carry that off, you need either youth or personality. Shirin has it, I don’t!
As we spoke, I noticed something new. My eyes were wandering over her scars, and she was letting me. To me, she no longer even looked different.
_____
[Shirin and I worked together briefly, and remained friends long that.
Thirteen years after the incident, on her face, she carries the burn scars left by the acid her husband threw on her face. A husband who, incidentally, escaped unpunished.
Initially, I never knew how to act around her, but she taught me to "see" her scars because they were an essential part of who she was. If anyone is a HERO, she is. Because everytime she steps out of the house, she has to battle insensitivity at so many levels.
Her story deserves to be known.]
And, for those who wondered, yes, I am back. And yes, this is a drabble :-)
Once was enough. I will not disappear without warning again.
9 comments:
Glad you're back, you were missed.
Shirin sounds like a wonderful person who could be an inspiration to all of us. I must say it angers me that her husband escaped unpunished. Hopefully in the end he will get what he deserves.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Freelance Editing By Mason
Wow, what a tragedy, but one that Shirin dealt with nobly. You told the story beautifully.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Shirin's recovery is so inspiring. As is all of our adaptation to changes from what once was "normal". Thank you for looking, Rayna, and for showing us!
xo B
Sounds like you have a great friend. Karma will win out over her husband...it always does. I am glad you are back, I was ready to send you an email to find out if you were alright. You were missed!
Beautifully told, Shirin is an inspiration, thanks for sharing.
Shirin is courageous and probably most beautiful! I love her confidence!
Hugs and
Welcome back
SueAnn
Natasha - Thank you for sharing this story. It is so important that people know about the kind of abuse that takes place daily. But it is also important that people know about the courage of people like Shirin. She is fortunate to have a friend like you.
There are so many who stand amid so many hardships. It is good that you remind us of her strength!
Such an inspiration. I do hope her husband gets the punishment he deserves.
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