The Weeping Collared Dove

The first time he saw her, he planted the seeds of love. They took root in her when she was twelve, blossomed at fifteen, and bore fruit at eighteen, still green and sour. But she didn't mind. It was because of his promise: she would be the only woman in his life. He would give her his clothes when she was cold and shelter her from the summer rain. She trusted him, unafraid of the threat to her life or the violation of her dignity by the forces lurking in the shadows. She trusted him, unconcerned by the filth and corruption behind him. She trusted him, unafraid that his vows to heaven and earth would turn out to be empty words.

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.