Her tasks complete, she sat waiting for him quietly and alone. She wondered what mood he would be in tonight, hoping it would be a good one. The house so quiet and dark. She had lit only one candle and that was on the table. She sat on the floor in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest. She liked the darkness, how it hid the pain. He was home she could hear him outside and he was not alone. She crawled out of her corner, trying to smooth the wrinkles from her dress. She hurried to light more candles. As he opened the door she stood in her place and lowered her head. She looked up briefly he was smiling. Maybe tonight was going to be a good night she thought. He told her he had a gift for her. She nodded obediently smiling slightly. He turned to the other man who then stepped forward, handing him what looked to her to be a metal ring. The other man then stepped back. She looked up to him wondering what was going on. He told her that tonight he would make her his, he slid his arms around her, slowly raising them along her back until his hands rested behind her neck. She heard metal creek. "you are mine now and forever" he said. She felt something cold around her neck. She heard the sound of the latch close. He lifted her chin and kissed her. She lifted her hands to her neck touching the cold metal. Her thoughts raced, Oh god a collar.