I swung my legs out of bed. Holding my head in my hands, I tried to wake myself up. Already a few minutes behind, I was going to be late if I didn't get into gear. After shaking away the last vestiges of sleep, I got up and made my way into the bathroom.
I looked into the mirror and was quietly disappointed. I had sunburned over the weekend, and my face and shoulders were dry from the burn. My hair was a mess, and my face needed to be washed. I sighed and got into the tub.
I felt so much better after my shower, and as I brushed my teeth and put on lotion, I felt rejuvenated. I was starting to feel presentable. A little bit more primping, and I'd be ready for work.
I hung the towel on the rack to dry and made my way back to my bedroom naked. Living by myself, I often roamed the house without clothing.
This particular morning, however, I'd come to regret it.
He was there, in the bedroom. Somehow, he had silently slipped in. He was hiding behind the bedroom door, and I walked in without knowledge of the intruder. Suddenly, he was on me, grasping my body with one arm and tightly wrapping the other around my neck to cover my mouth.
His fingers dug into my stomach and the side of my face. He pulled me close to him, grinding my body against his. I struggled, trying to free myself, but his grasp became even tighter.
I forced myself to stand still, hoping to catch him off guard. As I relaxed, his hold became looser. I saw my chance. I pulled one arm forward, and then drew it back, striking him as hard as I could in the stomach.
Nothing. No exhale of breath, no muttered swear, no wincing. I tried to lift my arm again, but he was too quick for me. He grabbed my wrists, pulling my arms behind my back. He reached over and grabbed my robe, struggling to get the cord free.