If she was honest she had always known there wasn't going to be any happily ever after.

She had known it from the very beginning.

And still, somewhere deep inside, she had harboured the hope that even in darkness there might exist happiness. Lasting happiness.

But darkness is consuming.

Darkness is inexorable.

And darkness is lasting. Everlasting.

x-x-x-x

Author's note (updated Sept. 10th, 2018):I started posting a sequel to Perception! It's called "Stolen Time". Please take the time to check it out and let me know what you think! Every feedback makes me so happy :) Thanks again for reading, you are all totally awesome!