By Jennifer Martin
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Mentions of family issues, intimate partner violence, incompetent police, violence faced by women, being roofied, going missing
(1) Running up a flight of stairs one step at a time, one hand lightly gliding up the railing. Bonus points if the stairs are in a grand entryway or if you’re wearing a ball gown that has a long train. (2) Spending absurd amounts of money on caffeine, books, and craft supplies. (3) Waiting for your phone screen to light up with your partner’s face and name because they promised to call. (4) Only wearing one headphone when walking in the dark. (5) Reading criminal amounts of smut via the books you’ve spent too much money on. Bonus points if it’s faerie, vampire, or anything supernatural. (6) Wondering when he will punch you instead of the wall, knowing that you are not strong enough to stop it. (7) Swiping on a perfect wing of waterproof black eyeliner. (8) Crying when your partner forgets to call. They’re sorry, they fell asleep, they forgot you wanted to call. They’ll call you tomorrow. They promise. (9) Getting dressed up with your friends to go out, music blaring, the smell of burnt hair filling the air, all drinking from the same bottle of cheap liquor. (10) Being told to smile more. (11) Going out with your friends—skirts high and necklines low. Remembering to keep your drink covered. Bringing your drink with you to the bathroom because you can’t trust the people around you. Calling the police because you’re trying to leave, but you can’t find one of your friends. What was she wearing? How much did she have to drink? When did you see her last? You think you saw her leaving with someone, but you’re not completely sure. She isn’t answering her phone. The cop tells you to go home. Women go home with men all the time. You’re overreacting. She’ll show up in the morning. Plot twist: She doesn’t show up in the morning. (12) Running in heels. Bonus points if they’re stilettos.
Jennifer Martin (she/they), known as Jenn by her friends, is a bisexual author that studies Creative Writing and Publishing & Editing at Susquehanna University. She’s passionate about raising queer voices in her writing and exploring queer stories in the books they read.
In her free time she is either reading anything fantasy or mystery, crocheting, or playing The Sims 4. Occasionally, you’ll find them at various craft fairs around SU’s campus where she loves to sell their crocheted creations while often wearing various homemade cardigans.
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