Passion is the fire we feel on the inside when we care about someone. Her name speaks volumes. Everything she does she seems to try to do it out of excellence. She’s the epitome of ‘Black Excellence’ or should we say, ‘Pure Excellence’ inside and out. She’s a woman of purpose and passion. I guess that’s where she gets her name. Passion cares deeply about others, she cares if they are hurting or if they’re not. The woman is extremely caring, loving, and courageously driven. Her passion is really into women empowerment and making sure that every woman knows their worth.
The first time Passion notices her purpose is hearing the countless women who experienced domestic violence behind the hands of their lover. In fact, Passion experienced the same violence by her live-in boyfriend’s hands. He did everything to break her. He would tear her down and build her back up, only to tear her down again. What was his name again? ‘Pain’ yeah that’s it, ‘Pain’. Pain likes the agony that most normal people run from so they won’t have to endure. Who would name their child Pain? I mean, childbirth is painful, but there’s so much beauty after the child is born. Pain was every bit of his name although he came off as charming in the beginning.
Pain and Passion started dating at 17 years old. In the beginning, things were cool. I mean his jealously was cute in the beginning. But then it was like that jealousy turned into a complete obsession. He wanted to control everything Passion did including who she talked to. He would treat her harshly but dare another to do the same. Which was quite confusing and clouded her vision from what’s true.
Pain would try to make her feel as if he was the only one who truly cared for her, he was the only who she could trust. But this is what an abuser does. They try to conquer the mind and divide you from everyone who truly loves you. Passion would not allow him to do so. She knew people in her corner were organic and truly loved her.
Passion sits thinking about how trapped she was inside her relationship with Pain. She remembers her first experience of abuse with him. They had just left Walmart. It was dark and they had their first argument about something that was extremely small to her as she went to purchase feminine products because that’s something she enjoys doing.
For some reason as Passion put her different items in the basket, Pain would take them out placing them back on the shelf. Annoyed by his immaturity, Passion left the store embarrassed by his behavior, especially since it’s not something she is used to. She ran to the passenger side of the car and quickly slid in before he could block the door. He tried to convince her to go back in the store, but Passion’s mind was truly made up. She refused to go in and asked him to just take her home.
Pain got in the car and sped off. He took them to the darkest road that Passion was unfamiliar with. In fact, she didn’t even know where they were as he sped down this dark street. The street had no streetlights. Passion was scared and began to panic. “Please stop, please stop,” she cried.
Finally, Pain hit the brakes really hard causing Passion to place her hands up in defense to brace herself from hitting her face on the dashboard. He looks at her and said, “Do you really think I would hurt you while I am in the car?” In tears, Passion asked could he please take her home and he did.
They finally made it to her mom’s house. Passion tried to escape the car quickly enough to reach the door before Pain could get to her. But, of course, her parents’ driveway seems too distant from their side door.
And before she could make it Pain grabbed her and kissed her continually saying that he’s sorry. Still in tears, she’s silent. Which is usually how Passion gets when encounters conflict. He asked her, “Do you forgive me?” Passion nodded her head yes not quite meaning it. But only for him to let her go inside her safe haven because she definitely did not feel safe in the moment with him.
Passion never spoke of this to anyone. Why? Well, she did not want to be judged. She did not want to come off as naïve or green as her brothers would say it. Plus, she wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to end it. Three years passed and Passion wished she would have told someone about the night she nearly lost her life in that car with Pain. She wished she would have told someone about all she experienced and how his name did speak loudly. Pain was really a caution sign. It was a warning and the more she tried to escape him, the deeper she became.
Passion and Pain no longer date. In fact, Passion was the lucky one, or should we say blessed. Why? Passion did what seems to be impossible. She tapped into her self-worth once he got a no more inside of her spirit. No more allowing people to mistreat her or misuse her. No more allowing Pain to disrupt her life. She sought help and was able to escape the relationship that nearly broke her.
Today, Passion advocates for domestic violence and passionately helps other women discover their worth. Encouraging them to everyday without pause, be beautifully unapologetically themselves. This is Passion’s way of giving back and pouring out to the countless girls and women who need to know they’re not alone. Together we can escape the wrath of our abuser.
Some parts of this short story are true events that actually occurred. The purpose of this piece of art is to remind every young girl and woman that we all matter. There’s strength in numbers; we can make it if we stand together.
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