SHORT STORY (Sucker for Love)
Tasha always believed in fairy tales. Growing up, she dreamed of a love that would sweep her off her feet and save her from the struggles of her small-town life. But reality had other plans.
At 19, Tasha fell for Marcus, a charming drifter who promised her the world. But his love came with conditions—she had to help him “run errands,” which turned out to be petty thefts. When Marcus disappeared, Tasha was left to deal with the fallout, narrowly avoiding jail time.
The pattern continued. Each new boyfriend came with promises of love but left her with nothing but heartbreak and trouble. By the time she met Darnell, a smooth-talking dealer, she was desperate to believe in something real.
Darnell’s world was fast and dangerous, but Tasha stayed, convinced she could change him. When police raided their apartment, Darnell was long gone, leaving Tasha to take the blame for the drugs and stolen goods.
In prison, Tasha had time to reflect. She realized her desperation for love had blinded her to its cost. Determined to break the cycle, she began writing her story, hoping it would inspire others to find strength within themselves before seeking it in someone else.
