Light at the end of a tunnel

Chapter Seven-My Jam

I quietly hummed along to my music however I had to be careful, if Mom or Austin saw me with this I would get the worst beating of my life. I recall asking for one, an iPod and them laughing at me, saying I didn't need some useless device. It was as useless as I was. So for almost a year I would steal money from them just small amounts, not to raise suspicion then finally when I had enough, I bought myself an iPod.

I turned the volume up louder and sang along to Free Now by Sleeping With Sirens, which was one of my favorite songs and favorite bands. I always wanted to see them live, but I knew better than to ask.  If I did, I would literally be asking for a death sentence. I finished cleaning my room and hummed along to a few other songs, when out of nowhere my bedroom door swung open. I threw my iPod across the room in hopes of Austin not being able to see it. I would prefer it damaged then to not have it period.

"What are you doing? Your mother and I have been trying to get your attention."

"I.. I.. was just uhh.. cleaning"

"Cleaning?"

"Ye.. Yeah."

"Then what is that?"

"What is what?"

Austin pushed me out of his way and grabbed my black iPod from the spotless floor.

""What is this?", he demanded.

"Nothing."

He stood behind me and grabbed a handful of my hair. I gasped at the sudden pain.

"What is it?"

"An iPod."

"An iPod?"

"Yes."

"So this is why you didn't hear me, huh?"

"Yes."

"Well since you have a hearing problem, we'll have it fix that, right?"

I was silent and as a result, he pulled my hair hard.

"Right.", I finally agreed.

He hit me in the ear over and over, saying it would help me listen.
Then right before he left, he took my iPod and broke it in front of me.

How was I supposed to survive if the one thing that helped me live is gone?