Life ebbs on.  The image of perfection can fall from the pedestal where I placed him.  The pain can be completely unbearable, as I watch the man I felt myself falling for transform into something that frightens me. The people around me can be totally unaware of the pain, and I can feel invisible. But life ebbs on.
I have fallen before.  I have hurt before. I have cried into the night before. I have screamed out to God before, and felt momentary and illusive peace.  I have been here before. I know what this is, and I won't stay here.  I cannot stay here.
My knees tremble as I pick myself up.  They haven't supported my weight in so long.  The first few steps will hurt.  I know my legs are weak.  I almost fall again. I almost crash to the ground.  It feels welcoming as his face flashes across my mind. I push him away.  There is freedom as I do it.  The world is mine. It is not his. I am not his. I belong to myself. I will grow strong.