It turns out I have teeth.

I never even knew.

I thought they had been pulled out long ago.

Lost to disuse and the rest pulled out by him.

Too scared to even check even when threatened.

For I know how weak I am.

***

But he bit me first and I bit back.

I learned I still have teeth.

Still as sharp as I need them to be.

Sharper than I knew them to ever be.

A resort and defense I had never used until forced.

The taste of blood on my tongue an unexpected addition to my own pain.

***

Oh how surprised he was when I bit down.

Shocked by the pain of the feeling.

Never knowing that it was in my nature even though it was his own.

Unsure whether or not to bite again in retaliation or now too scared.

We both instead stand facing each other with surprise on both of our faces.

As blood continues to ooze from our wounds.