Heartbroken

The thunder cracked outside in the stormy night as I hid under the wooden old staircase. Soaked in my own sweat, with my heart pounding in my chest, I kept my hand over my mouth not to make a sound. Just a dimmed light in the small living room provided some light in the dark house.

The creak of the staircase made my heart jolt. "I know you're here, beautiful. Come on, don't hide from uncle Mathew. Your mommy is not here, you don't need to be afraid."

A drop of perspiration rolled down my nape as tears fell from my eyes. Another thunder cracked, causing me to flinch back against the wall.

A silent cry escaped my mouth. This was the first time I prayed with all my being for Theresa to come back home. As bad as she was, at least this man wouldn't be able to touch me in her presence.

"Come on, beautiful. My little flower, come out. Uncle Mathew won't hurt you, I promise. Now stop this hide and seek game," he drawled. I could see his shadow moving into the living room.

Hugging my legs