Paper Cuts
by T. Delaplain
Dana selected a fresh sheet of binder paper and the sharpest of the dull round tipped scissors. Precision was her command as she shaped a delicate snowflake of filigree and lace. Snip.
The pattern, uniquely hers, fragile yet beautiful. Were those the words the counselor had said in reassurance? She laughed out loud, what had fragility and beauty ever given her besides heart ache? She freed more of the rigid corners. Some girls cut their own flesh to release the pain. Snip
Today, she offered paper as her sacrifice and she was enough.
Photo credit: @Jennifer Pendergast
Join us at Friday Fictioneers. Rochelle will give you 100 words to create something uniquely yours. Snip
Tracey Delaplain, MD 
Dear Tracey,
How wonderful to see you and read your voice this week! Interesting therapy. I hope cutting paper rather than flesh releases her pain.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s sounds like progress to me. Thanks for dropping by. Tracey
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Lovely to see you, Tracey! I love this take. Much less damaging to cut paper instead of one’s flesh. If it helps, of course!
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It seems she’s heading in the right direction. An interesting take on an all-too-common problem.
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The pattern, uniquely hers, fragile yet beautiful. This is a gorgeous line inside a tragic tale. At least she seems to be headed in the right direction. Nice to “see” you here.
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Thank you amiga. I don’t think she likes being fragile. There’s hope here.
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I hope the transference works.
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A much healthier option. This should be taught.
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most absolutely, a better choice than cutting yourself. hope she gets well soon.
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Cutting paper snowflakes may just take her mind off her troublesome thoughts.
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Great progress good to see 🙂
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I sense tragedy here and hope she is not heading in a bad direction.
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Creativity is a good way to release the troubles in her mind. Nice one.
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And here we are…. creating instead of destroying. Thanks Iain.
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Paper is easier to clean up too. I’m glad she has found a healthy way to express herself.
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Good point. Blood is messy. Thanks for stopping by.
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A beautifully written story. Good for her as she choses a healthier coping mechanism than self-harm. A better way to find peace and to remind herself she is beautiful and enough. Incredibly written, Tracey!
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Thanks Brenda. Sometimes we all need reminding that we are enough.
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Yes. She is enough. She is brilliant!
A beautiful piece.
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Thank you.
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The meticulousness of the cuts has got to be soothing as it takes her focus off of other ways she could have chosen. I’m happy for her. I love the comparison between her and a snowflake (i.e. beautiful and fragile.) Good writing, Tracey!
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Thank you. I’m glad you saw the fragility.
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You’re very welcome.
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An interesting message. Paper cuts are such a (literal) pain. 🙂
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Paper cuts are the worst. Thanks for reading.
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