The Weight Rumours Hold

Chapter 14: Stream of tears

(Flashback 2 years ago)

I woke up startled to the sound of something shattering somewhere close by yet distant. My brain was foggy and it took me a few seconds to wake up and register that it came from the kitchen downstairs.
I definitely wasn't dreaming. I hurriedly pulled off my duvet and stepped out my room carefully, rubbing my eyes a bit too hard and seeing swirls.
Imran walked out his room with the same afraid expression and I knew something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Something that I should be used to by now but I never could, even though I'm already 16.

A second later the loud voice boomed startling me once again.

"THIS TASTES DISGUSTING I ASKED YOU FOR PROPER FOOD. DON'T YOU KNOW HOW TO COOK? MAKE IT AGAIN RIGHT NOW!"

"What's wrong with it Hashim? I've been cooking since morning just so you can get a good meal after work!" replied mum patiently. I could sense the fear inside her but she never showed it and kept strong.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN. I SAID IT'S DISGUSTING HURRY UP AND COOK ME ANOTHER ONE. IT SHOULD BE DONE IN HALF AN HOUR. YOU SIT AROUND ALL DAY AND CAN'T EVEN COOK ME A GOOD BREAKFAST?"

I took a deep breathe trying to calm down my heartbeat which was pounding in my ears but I was helpless. His voice echoed through me. I raised my shaky hands and held them tightly, silently praying to God he doesn't hurt my mum.

"All day? I cook, I clean, do your laundry, iron, raise the children. And your saying I do nothing?!?"

"SHUT UP YOU USELESS WOMAN. AND MAKE MY FOOD. IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND MY WORDS I'LL HAVE TO USE MY HANDS"

I stood there stuck to the spot not knowing how to react, my hands trembling and hot. Part of me wanted to tell my mum to just do as dad says so he doesn't hurt her and part of me wants him to be taught a lesson. I peeked down from the top of the stairs and saw the kitchen door half open. He grabbed her arm and aggresively pushed her making mum stumble backwards just about catching herself, he raised his hands once again...

My eyes snapped shut unable to see or take anymore. My tears could no longer hold themselves in and rolled down hot and stinging, they were desperate, angry and hurt mixed in them like a potion of pain. If only I could protect her...

I looked over at Imran for help but we both knew when dad was in this mood nothing could be done or we would get hurt too.

"Mummy- mum. He pushed her" I whispered stuttering

"Haniya he's in a bad mood today since he got back from work, stay out of his way and hurry up and get changed before he sees that you just woke up now. I'll go check on mum"

"Okay" I said desperately brushing tear drops away still dazed. I got changed as fast as I could and got washed up still trembling and calming my breathing.

I ran downstairs and saw mum and Imran cleaning up the broken fragments of glass that lay there like pieces of my shattered mind.
I silently joined in trying to help clean and finally hugged mum super tightly.