Lora is a kind-hearted, mature, capable young woman - in the eyes of everyone but her girlfriend. She puts up with verbal abuse, but when Chantel gets physical, she knows it's time to leave. Gathering her courage, she escapes to a women's shelter. With her new kitten at her side, she hopes to make a fresh start. Sydney is shocked to see Lora walk into the shelter. As her former professor, she knows how smart and capable Lora is. She vows to help the younger woman in any way she can. When she begins to mentor Lora, they connect over feminist issues and trashy movies - and Sydney finds herself falling for Lora's sad eyes and broken smile. Will Lora break free of her abusive ex and forge a new path with Sydney? Or will she go back to the woman who's already shattered her once? 45,000 words