Trophies

The real shock came in the form of plastic grocery bags tucked behind the bathtub shelving unit and tied off with tight knots. The contents made it clear that I'd been living with a stranger.

There were things I’d found in the past that left me feeling uneasy, like the testosterone boosters and libido enhancers he kept in his dopp kit. He’d been defensive when I questioned them. “They’re just supplements,” he scoffed. My confusion lay in the fact that he hardly touched me. When he was home, he often claimed exhaustion or blamed my appearance—I wasn’t doing anything to warrant him finding me attractive. I told myself I understood, that work was stressful, and our home environment didn't lend itself to relaxation or intimate connection. I relished any trips we took, hoping to be desired by him again.