She sat alone, as usual, on the chaotic floor, watching reruns of some soap opera.

She fingered the leather, flexing the tough skin, running calloused fingertips across the winking studs, and then slipped it around her neck.

She breathed easier, easier although it was almost too tight, an eternal hug around her neck. The buckle dug into her throat but she liked it, liked it in a controlling sort of way.

One finger hooked around the leash loop and tugged, her head jerking in response.

Her husband stood in the doorway, silently, jacket tucked under one arm. He'd been watching her play; she hadn't seen him come in.

"What are you doing?"

Before&After