Soul Sisters (2)

He exits the house, and she waves him off with a smile, just like a good wife might. He likes that. She continues to smile even as he backs out the driveway and turns out to the street. Only once he's turned the corner down the road, does she allow her smile to drop and close the door.

"Shiori!" She finally has the freedom to run to check on her sister, which she'd wanted to do the moment he came out the bedroom. "Shiori! Are you okay?!" She enters the room and finds Shiori lying still on the bed, her clothes ripped apart to shreds and her body bruised and defiled.

"Oh god…Shiori…." She falls beside her and takes her hand. "Why do you do this to yourself?"

"To myself?" Her voice is weak, but strong. "How could I have possibly done this to myself?!"

"I don't mean literally; I'm talking about your attitude Shi. You purposely antagonize him. What do you expect him to do? You know how he is. Of course, he's going to react like this. So why?"

"How about you Trinity? Why do you do this to yourself? Please help me understand it."

"What are you talking about? I'm doing what I must to survive. To protect us. I'm trying!"

"No, you're not!" She finally sits up, the fire returning to her eyes. "You're not protecting us Trinity. If you were protecting us, you'd have tried to get help by now. You could do it. He trusts you enough to let you go out to shop or take leisurely walks. You could've told someone about what he does to us, and they'd come to investigate. He may have protections of the law and connections, but not even the law could ignore blatant sexual and physical assault of minors."

"You don't understand Shi. They wouldn't believe us because they believe wholly in him. I've tried once before, a long time ago. I tried reaching out to the Police Commissioner who came over for dinner one night. You were only about four at the time. I told him everything after daddy fell asleep from drinking. He pretended to listen to me, but in the end, he did nothing. I took a big chance saying something, and all it got me was being brutally assaulted by him too."

"So, you tried once and then gave up? You should've tried someone else! A teacher, or-."

"What teachers Shiori?! Tell me what teachers are around to tell? After mom died daddy isolated us both. I was ten, you were only just born. He started homeschooling me so he could keep an eye on me. He said he was just scared of losing me like he lost mom, but he never really focused on me. He set everything up virtually and left me to take care of it on my own, and you as well."

Shiori seems to soften slightly. "Well, I didn't ask you to take care of me. If that's all that kept you here, you should've just left. If you had, you might have found a wonderful family." She tries her best to maintain a strong, unbothered face, but her sadness and held back tears are clear.

"Shi…." She squeezes her hand affectionately. "Shi, you are my reason. My reason to stay, my reason to try, my reason to get up every day and serve that man. To smile at him, endure him and satisfy him. Every single day I open my eyes and I feel sick and tired. Sick of faking it, tired of living the life of a good wife just to appease him. It makes me sick; I want to die! But I do it for you Shi. If not for you, and I'm sorry to be telling you this, but I wouldn't be here if not for you."

"What?" She leans closer to her. "Trinity, you don't mean…you would actually kill yourself?"

"I'm ashamed to admit it, but yes. I've thought about it so many times over the years. One time I even stopped on the overpass and considered climbing up and 'accidentally' slipping. Every day was hell after mom died. I wanted nothing more than to follow her, but then I had a dream. She came to me there and told me that I needed to be strong. If not for myself, then for one who couldn't protect themselves. Someone precious. From that day, I made the choice to live on."

"For me? I was your reason?" Trinity nods. "So, then all your suffering…it's my fault, right?"

"No! No Shi, it's not your fault. You are the reason I don't suffer as much anymore. You gave me a purpose and you lit up even my darkest nights. After daddy came to my room I always felt broken like glass. But then I'd hold you in my arms and suddenly I felt whole again. Daddy is the cause of our suffering. You Shiori, you are my joy, my light, my happiness. My lifeline."

Shiori finally lets down her guard. "You too Trinity. You're the only thing that gives me the strength to fight. I fight back because I know you're not as strong. You're sweet and loving, just how mom used to be, based on what you've told me. However, while your body is strong, your mind is weak, no offense. I want to protect your light, so that's why I refuse to give in to him."

"Thank you Shi, that means so much. You have no idea how much." She kisses her hands. "But that's all the more reason I need you stand down. Daddy won't stop doing this as long as you keep resisting. I never wanted you to feel this pain or suffer as I have, but ultimately there was no avoiding it. So, all we can do now is play our parts and pacify him. If we can just do that for a few more months, I'll be eighteen and I'll finally be able to take us away from here. We'll go far away, and he'll never touch us again. I'll find work and take care of you, like I have since you were a baby. I'll nurture and protect you until you can become a strong woman of your own."

"I don't think I can wait a few more months Trinity. I'm already going crazy. My mind may be stronger, but I don't have the patience. You have the temperament to take his abuse and play along willingly. I can't do that. I don't know how to lie. That's your role Trinity, not mine."

"So, what's your role then Shi? Because you can't keep going on like this. You just can't!"

"Honestly Trinity, I think I'm meant to be the protector, your weapon. So you can liberate us."

"Huh? You're my weapon?" She laughs, taking it as a joke. "What fantasy story is that Shi?"

"I'm serious Trinity! It's something I've felt for a while now. What I think Mama wanted."

"Mama?" Trinity's face falls into sadness. "How could you know what Mama would've wanted Shi? She died before you even had a chance to know her. She only wanted us to be happy, ok?"

"Yes, but we can't be happy like this. We have to conquer this world together. It's our destiny."

"What are you even saying Shi? You're not making sense. I have to protect you, and I will. Don't you dare get reckless. Just do what daddy says, okay? I need you to trust me for now."

She's slow to answer, but finally says, "Okay Trinity, I'll try my best at it. I'll try for you."

"Thank you Shi. In return, I swear to you that I will get us out of here. We will be free." She's suddenly reminded of Shiori's current condition. "Come on, I'll run you a super nice, hot bath."

"Can I use the cherry blossom bath salts today Sis? They're my favorite!" Shi asks her excitedly.

"You can use whichever ones you want Shi," she replies as they go together, blissfully unaware.