A

Girlfriend of an army man,

Boyfriend deployed,

She was left alone with thoughts and drinks.

She wanted to give in.

I encouraged her to hold on.

I encouraged her to stay back.

She took a nap.

She put a blade to her skin.

Surface slits.

I told her

"Your best will look different every day and that's ok."

She replied

"I've never thought about it that way."

Three years later,

Wife of an army man.

Two twins on the way.

2016

I was 14 in the US.

She is in Texas.