Fallen Ash

PREVIEW

It's dark... not a single shred of light to be seen. It's cold... I'm alone, there is no sound... but I'm not afraid. I'm used to the dark, it surrounds me like a blanket shielding me from the horrors that lay just outside its embrace. This comforting space however can not last forever.

I feel pain flood my system as the breath is knocked out of me and a bright light blocks my vision. I hear a rough voice, one I know very well, echo all around me.

"Get up you fucking runt! It's about time you get the hell out of my house. Im not dealing with those annoying fucking teachers today!" my so-called 'father' hollered. He's not my real parent, as far as i know i don't have parents, but considering Im a test tube baby I shouldn't be surprised. This man was just ordered to watch over me by his superiors.

The man, also known as Richard, stomps out of the room as I lightly grone rubbing my stomach before getting up from my makeshift bed on the floor. I stretch making my way to the pile of clothes shoved into the corner of the small room. I glance back over my shoulder at my pile of old ragged blankets I use as a bed. It's not the worst sleeping place I've had... I pull a loose-fitting shirt over my previously bare chest, a pair of tattered jeans, a black hoodie that was two sizes too big, black sneakers, and a gray beanie that effectively flattens my pointed ears to the top of my head. I wrap my fuzzy tail around my waist and tuck it under my shirt. Man, I can't believe I've already been here for 6 months. It's not great but it's still much better than before. I yawn then exit the supply closet I use as my room grabbing my bookbag along the way. I turn my gaze downward trying to avoid looking at the basement's contents however, the large fluorescent tube lighting makes that difficult. A shiver travels up my spine in both fear and disgust as I step over old drops of blood... my blood.

Trudging up the stairs I carefully peek around the door frame to see where Richard is. Sniffing the air I look to the couch where the scent of sweat, alcohol, and phloride oozes from. I silently tiptoe to the front door passing behind Richard as I do so. I open the door slowly to prevent the hinges from squeaking before closing it gently behind me as I exit the house. A sigh of relief exits my lungs as I flip my hood up and start walking down the sidewalk with my much-dreaded destination in mind, school.