Melanie.
"Mio, look how thin you look."
My sweet mother in law spreads her arms wide, closing the distance between us in hurried steps. She's just met us at the foyer, on the way to greet some arriving guests. As soon as she saw us, she ignored everyone and came to meet me.
Holding me in the most affectionate embrace I've felt in a long time from a motherly figure, I can't help but hold her tight. Breaking into harsh sobs.
"There, there, Mio. Come on, let's go put some proper makeup on." She whispers in my ear, as she leads me away from her son and everyone else.
Before we leave, I watch her cut her son a fierce glare that makes him uncomfortable. I hold a little triumph in my heart, knowing he can't hurt me now we're with his mum.
She takes me all the way to a lavishly equipped room and sits me on the vanity. I think it's hers with her pictures all over. Beautiful pictures of herself partially nude. I avoid those pictures, too embarrassed to watch them.
