Outwardly, Barbara knew, she still looked like the same
person that she had been yesterday. No one, at a casual glance, could spot the difference.

Some small,detached part of her mind was pondering the incredible ability of the human creature to remain outwardly intact when within, the soul, imprisoned in skin and bones, was so very wounded.

Within, the 'real' Barbara, the one known only to herself, lay bleeding in a tangle of barbed wire. No one would hear her should she scream and no help would come should she cry out, for there was no help for her now.

Calmly considering the nature of barbed wire, Barbara decided it was probably best to keep perfectly still. As her body continued with the routine of the day she watched herself with interest as she smiled and conversed with colleagues, answered the phone, organised meetings, ordered in lunch for the boss...

Inside, she kept very still but she couldn't stop the words that played over and over in her head. The barbed words. He had used so many of them - just to say goodbye.

As Barbara surveyed the bleak landscape of her world the barbs pierced her heart and she felt her lifeblood draining away. Outwardly, a single tear the only sign of her total desolation.