I have this dream sometimes; I dream that she's standing
in her pajamas - boxers and a sleeveless T-shirt - in a dark
dark place. A muted yellowish light her only companion. In
my dream I see her with a sharp silver sword in her hand,
hanging useless by her side. I see her staring at something
in the darkness, something much larger than she is. In my
dream I know that she has chosen not to fight, that she has
chosen to live with this . . . this monster.

 In my dream she is a picture of calm, she is not afraid or
worried. Her shoulders are relaxed and it even seems as if
the sword is weightless.

 In my dream I see time pass, it's almost like watching the
sun move across the sky like watching the tide move out, you
don't look and its gone down by a foot. I feel it more than
see it.

 In my dream I see time pass and I see the sword start to
become dull, to rust, it's once sharp silver color become a
bored red. And throughout all this she never moves. Never
makes twitches a finger, never makes a move or shifts her
weight. Except when the beast growls, or moans, or groans.
Then she winces, not just with her face, but with her whole
body, and I can see the pain the beast causes her.

 In my dream I wonder why she didn't slay the beast when
she had a chance. When the sword was sharp and shiny and
new.

 In my dream I wonder why she isn't afraid of the beast
that obviously causes her so much pain.

 In my dream I have a new shiny silver sword to give her.
In my dream I wait for her to see me so I can give her the
sword. In my dream she fades away, and then I wake up and
find her in my arms.