A ‘snake’ is a narcissist; slithery and deceptive, highlighted by manipulation, exploitation, and a lack of empathy. I went to the police station to report a domestic incident after being coerced out of my apartment on my parents’ anniversary. It was the same day I would be picking up my belongings.
Not all DV is physical
The officer on duty who was listening to me was very respectful, attentive, and reassuring. I printed out evidence of mistreatment (showing my parents a fake lease that listed both of us as residents, packing my belongings and taking away my house key without my permission). He went through it all with me and assured me that unfortunately none of these are crimes (maybe just insecurity and other psychological issues).
Divine Intervention
He mentioned not officially being on the lease was just good karma. It sounds like I’m going to be alright and that somebody is looking after me, like divine intervention. I immediately remembered my grandmother. The day before was her birthday and I hadn’t been able to go visit her. When I was driving to the police station, I saw 11 11 11 on my GPS (her angel number is 11). I wanted to go in there and save somebody else from my snake of a partner. However, at the end of the day, I needed to be saved from a cycle of self-sabotage. I told the officer about the proverb that goes “if a snake bites you and poisons you, you don’t run after the snake and figure out why it bit you.”
Being Given a Choice
The officer said I was a very intelligent lady and not like a lot of the other people that come in to report crimes. He said he would get me some paperwork and a form just in case I wanted to fill it out, but he said, “you can read it, but you don’t have to sign it.”
Sometimes the Greatest Gift is Compassion
I tried to make a joke about the situation, and he said “no this is nothing to joke about. It’s horrible what happened to you, but life goes on, and it looks like you’re going to be okay. Don’t chase after the snake.” I said I must have been a good person in another life, and he said, “or this one.” I really am a lucky girl. Sadly, I don’t remember his name, but he gave me the greatest gift of all, validation for my feelings, kindness and compassion for my pain, and the choice/ability to walk away.
Service, Pride, and Commitment
I joked to the officer that I guess we can’t do anything because the motto is “We’ll try.” He respectfully corrected me and said “No, that is the town’s motto ours is, “Service, Pride and Commitment”.
Grief and Release
Afterwards, I went to my grandmother‘s grave. As I was driving there the song “How Did it End?” by Taylor Swift played. I burst into tears on my way to her grave because I was so grateful. She was part of this somehow and I knew she freed me so that I could live my life. I left a unicorn beanie baby named Mystic behind for her because she really taught me how to let go.
