He had been so charming at first, sweeping her off her feet and enveloping her in love. But now, he was no charming gentleman. He was The Hunter. And she was his prey. Not in a physical sense, but she frequently felt torn to pieces and her mind consumed by his sharp tongue and torturous pride.

The Hunter was a signal phrase to her empathetic friend when he was leaning heavy into the narcissim. He hunted for a vulnerable place to sink his word wielding knife into her fragile heart. He hunted for a slight mistake on her part to grind in his righteousness and lift out her unworthiness. He was a predator of kind souls.

The summer they met ran its familiar beat. Like most Friday afternoons she found herself shopping for groceries, preparing for the next week. His glistening blue eyes, short wavy hair, and soft grin captured her attention as she completed her transaction. He was next in line. The afternoon stubble. The faint crows feet gracing the corners of his eyes. Her attraction took her off guard and she fumbled her keys. He picked them up, flashed his sweet smile, and offered to help load her items in the car. A perfect gentleman. From there their whirlwind romance ensued.

Summer drifted into autumn. They spent each waking minute together. He confessed his undying love to her at a community bonfire. His affection could be seen in his grandeur actions everyday. Flowers, jewelry, expensive restaurants.

Soon the cool breeze grew more frigid. Snow blanketed the ground as Christmas drew near. A sweet quiet engagement one night by the tree sent shockwaves through the town although it shouldn’t have been the slightest surprise. A massive engagement party was thrown the next day for all to enjoy. A catered seven course meal, open bar, and live entertainment.

Spring brought a gorgeous creek side wedding with soft delicate flowers, relaxing instrumental music, and the gentle sound of water rippling over the rounded stones. She was the embodiement of graceful beauty and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Everyone admired how happy they appeared. The entire community looked forward to cheering them on.

As she would soon learn, outward appearances can fool many. There were a few blissful weeks, but routine and rhythm set in uprooting a horror of realizations.

His prey fell for his snake like ways. He slithered into her heart and would soon penetrate her soul with his venom, poisoning her thoughts. Broken promises, sarcastic jabs, unrealistic expectations, minimal time at home. Each day was a new cascade of triggers creating a spiraling effect to her fragile state of mind.

Was any of this intentional to hurt her? It’s hard to say. Some believe the way we respond is hard wired as children based on our experiences. What did The Hunter live though for him to seek out someone he perceived as weak?

She was lost in these heart wrenching thoughts as her phone rang. She quickly answered it relieved to hear the voice on the other end. A few weeks ago her friend finally convinced her to seek therapy. To begin caring for her mental health. The constant game of cat and mouse became an insurmountable burden that even her friend couldn’t help her bear.

She explained to her therapist that she has dealt with anxiety for years. Recently it had begun taking a toll on her health. Rapid heart rate, night sweats, arm pain. She looks in the mirror and doesn’t recognize the dim reflection staring back at her. Something had to give. Why did The Hunter choose to prey on her? How did she allow this to happen? Why can’t she seem to break free from the trap she has found herself ensnared in?

Security. Strength. Safety. He did provide some things in his backwards approach to life. At least she thought he did.

She explained the way her depression has engulfed her physical environment giving fuel to the flame of his fiery comments. Lazy. Ungrateful. Incapable. Shreds of her former soul lie on the ground as she sifts through what she shares with her acquaintance on the other end.

The hour drew to a close. Same time next week they agreed. It couldn’t come soon enough.

Week after week the conversations were anticipated and flew by quickly. With each session and the inner work in between, the fog lifted giving way to the beauty in life that she so desperately missed. She began to feel a tinge of strength. The loyalty of her friend and the encouragement from her therapist were building blocks that helped create a firmer foundation. This solid ground would allow her to forge swords of truth to combat The Hunter.

Sword #1: I am valuable.

Sword #2: I am worthy of respect.

Sword #3: What I accomplish matters.

Sword #4: I am worthy of time.

Sword #5: I am capable.

The unsuspecting prey became The Warrior. Her arsenal was was full and she was ready for battle. No matter what came next she would put on her unrelenting armor and press forward. She was forevermore The Warrior.