"Magpie."

She used to be the joy of a party, somebody people looked up to. Quiet yet sweet until she entered a relationship. Something has changed. At first, it seemed like happiness. She met someone. They were attentive, thoughtful, always there. She smiled more. Talked about them constantly. It felt like a good thing. Then the small changes began. Messages take longer to answer. Plans get cancelled at the last minute. When she does meet you, her phone never leaves her hand. Every notification shifts her mood. Every silence makes her anxious. This story contains triggering issues such as manipulation, control and abuse. Everything within the story is something I have unfortunately had the displeasure of experiencing myself. Everything seen inside comes from real lived experiences. If this story hits you too close to home, you are not Alone. United Kingdom National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) – 0808 2000 247 (24/7) Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Live chat available via the website United States National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (24/7) Text: START to 88788 Website & live chat: https://www.thehotline.org European Union European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) support directory https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/resources Many EU countries also offer a 24/7 domestic violence helpline at 116 016.