Chapter 2: She’s Perfect. Minus the Porn

#### Nothing will stop Michelle.

I tried everything. Talking, pleading, begging, reasoning, and even crying. At first, I thought maybe Michelle just needed someone to care. I brought her tea, asked gentle questions, and told her I was worried. She thanked me — while absentmindedly stroking herself. Her words were kind, but her body never stopped moving.

I tried rules, space, and boundaries. I asked if she could at least keep the porn to her room. “You’re valid,” she said, “but so am I.” I thought maybe shock would snap her out of it. I invited friends over unannounced, figuring embarrassment would do the trick. She didn’t blink; instead, she greeted everyone naked while hardcore porn played in the living room.

When my friends arrived with me, the living room was bathed in the soft glow of the laptop screen displaying a scene that involved leather and very little clothing. Mark coughed awkwardly as he stepped inside, followed quickly by Sarah and Emily. Both women looked like they’d swallowed a lemon whole.

“Uh, hey Michelle,” Sarah managed, trying to ignore the way the light played across her naked curves on the couch. “Didn’t expect ... this.”

“You guys came at the perfect time,” Michelle chirped, taking a deep breath and then letting out a soft moan that seemed to coincide perfectly with a rather vulgar sexual act playing on her screen. Her hand moved faster now, fingers working in a flurry. “I was just doing a little self-care meditation.”

Mark looked pointedly at the screen. “Meditation?” “Yeah,” Michelle said nonchalantly, finally pulling her gaze from the screen to give them a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I really love gooning. It helps me focus. You know how it is.”