Merciful Shadow

Solidarity

I sat with my head in my hands, staring intently at the clock. I'd been doing so for hours. I hadn't been able to sleep since I'd seen Astra follow me home. I didn't know for sure whether she'd followed me or not but it all added up. The footsteps, the feeling of being followed, seeing aer walk in after me. What else would a young girl be doing outside at ungodly hours of the night?

I couldn't stop my thoughts from racing around my head, telling me that the police would show up at my door any second. If she saw, it would all be over for me. As my head flooded with thoughts and emotions, my mind drifted back.

I could tell she was following me, sweet little Anna. I told her to stay at home, in her room where she would be safe. I knew that whilst I wasn't there I couldn't protect her but it was also hard to protect her if she followed me out there. I glanced back, not noticeably, to see her small head poking out from behind the tree. She giggled and squealed, for her life was just a game, a playground. She was too young to learn the hardships of this world. I looked into the distance.

"I wonder what ice cream Anna would want...?"

She flew out from her hiding place.

"Mint! I want mint!" she yells flying through the air in excitement until she landed at my feet. I picked her up and kissed her forehead gently.

"Okay, I'll get you some mint ice cream but please stay at home next time Anna..."

She giggled and nodded, I knew she probably wouldn't but there was no harm in trying.

On the journey back home, Anna had gotten tired and I carried her on my back. I slowly walked through the door, to see them staring at me in anger. They noticed Anna and pointed at her, then in the direction of the stairs. I nodded, knowing what would happen next.

I sat on the floor in front of them, looming over the floor like a shadow as he slapped a ruler across my back. Tears rolled down my face as I choked back my screams, not wanting to awaken or worry the sleeping anna upstairs.

"So, What do you have to say for yourself?"

He slapped the ruler against my back, causing a burning pain to flare up.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry for taking Anna outside. I shall take full responsibility," I winced in pain, it bled through my body. "I shall not do it again. My dearest apologies."

She sighed, signalling to him to prepare for another hit. He raised his arm...

KNOCK KNOCK

There was a banging at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

I recollected myself, remembering Astra had just seen me killing Toby and likely called the police. I got to my feet uneasily and looked in the direction of the pictures of Anna.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you, we might see each other again soon, angel."

I cautiously opened the door, afraid of what was waiting for me on the other side, only to be greeted by a friendly-faced and eager-looking Astra. She didn't seem to have any malicious intent but I could never be sure and, as a result, I decided to remain vigilant.

"Can I come in?" They said with a bright, seemingly genuine smile.

I opened the door wider as if to say yes, and she walked in, looking around keenly. Questions flooded my senses overwhelmingly in a whirl of confusion.

Did she know that I saw aer following me?

Had they told anyone, was ae going to?

How did she know where I lived?