 Free of Malice. Written by Liz Lazarus. Narrated by Jennifer Jill O'Raya. Thursday, July 6th. Run. Run faster. As much as I strained my legs to move, they were immobile, like I was waist-deep in quicksand. Why can't I move? I tried to scream for help, but my mouth was full, like it was stuffed with cotton. No sound would escape. I felt something clutching my shoulder. No, it was someone. He was pushing me forward and then yanking me back. I tried to jerk away, but he had a vice-like grip. I have to break free. The tugging got harder, more forceful. He was calling my name over and over. He knew my name. Laura. Laura. I jolted awake. My husband's hand still on my shoulder. Honey, wake up. You're having another bad dream. Slowly, I turned over in bed and looked at him. His dark brown eyes were fixated on me. I could see them clearly as the light from the bathroom brightened our bedroom. For a month now, we had slept with this light on. I could see the small wrinkle on his forehead. I loved that wrinkle, though wished he didn't have good reason to be so concerned. I was enduring the nightmares, but he had to deal with my tossing and mumbling in terror. I remember when we first met, ten years ago in chemistry lab at Georgia Tech. He had walked up to me with those warm eyes and a charming, confident smile and asked, Want to be partners? Two years later, he took me to Stone Mountain Park, rented a small rowboat, and in the moonlight, he pulled out a diamond ring and asked me again. Want to be partners? Life had seemed just about perfect. Until now. We looked at each other for a moment. Then he propped himself up on his elbow and said softly, Laura, I feel so helpless. I know it's only been a month, but... He hesitated. What? I asked. It's just as bad as that first night after it happened. Look, I want to make you feel safe again. But I... Sample complete. Ready to continue?