Sophia dreaded going home. Everyday was a new problem, a new problem that she couldn't seem to figure out. It was easier at school, where there was always a solution to the problems. Everyday, they got angrier, and everyday she grew more tired. They liked their beer and sandwiches, so that's what she prepared them. It satisfied them for a short while, before the screaming and yelling began again.
Every time she walked home, she prayed the monsters would be gone. But alas, they were always there, waiting with their demands. She always did what they asked, it was the easiest thing to do. What else could she do? She was only seven, fighting back was an absolute no. She didn't see any other way, so she just did what she had to do.
Today was her birthday, she was turning eight. The monsters didn't care. They never cared. She went to school and put her mask on. She smiled and laughed, just like how every other child is supposed to. She thinks that's what their supposed to be like, everyone else seemed to do it with ease. She wonders if their monsters are kinder than hers. She ate lunch by herself and did her work by herself. It hide the marks the monsters make the nights before.
As she walked home, it began to ran. She continued to trudge on, entering her home. The monsters were screaming again. This time, she ignored them. She didn't know why she ignored them, she just did. She went into the kitchen and grabbed the beer bottles. About 10 cans. She walked back into her room and locked the door. Another rule broken. She opened all the cans one by one. She put the cool metal to her lips and gagged as the bitter liquid invaded her tastebuds. But she continued to drink. She drank and drank until all the cans were gone.
Sophia's dad walked up the stairs, pissed to find his drinks gone. His anger vanished immediately when he saw her laying on the ground. He ran to her side, checking her pulse. She was gone. Her monsters would haunt her no more, but now they would be haunted.
