When we are happy

Chapter 10: Anxiety

I take a deep breathe and climb off my bike, kicking the stand up infront of my house.

I open the front door and i look to my left seeing my dad drinking as the sunset light shines into the room.

"Come here." His voice is stern.

"C-can i go see mama first?" I sniffle.

"Two minutes."

I quickly go upstairs and into mamas room knowing i wouldn't be able to face her after my dads punishment.

"Hi mama." I smile.

She slowly looks away from the tv and at me, not talking.

I recline her chair down and make sure all of her medications are connected properly.

She has a nurse that takes care of her during the day. I used to do it myself but mama said it's best for me to live my life.

So i am.

I'm living for her.

"How are you feeling?"

She just looks at me. No response.

She must not be feeling good today. And it's all my fault.

"I love you so much." I whisper wrapping my arms around her and holding her tightly.

"Cold." She whispers.

I pull away and grab an extra blanket laying it over her, "Better?"

She nods.

"Penelope. Get your ass down here." My dad calls.

"I love you, mama. Goodnight."

Tears roll down my cheeks as i walk downstairs and i continuously wipe them.

I peak out the stairs and my dad looks at me, "Get here." He slurs.

"Dad," I sob, "I didn't want to come home and get mama sick."

"She's already fucking sick because of you!"

My entire body trembles and i press the heels of my hands to my eyes as i sob, "Daddy, please, i didn't mean to make her sick."

He stands up and moves around his chair.

I slowly back away, "Please."

"Don't fucking walk away from me, you know you deserve this."

"I know, i know."

I gasp as he grabs my hands and pulls them away from my face.

He slaps me across the face and i squeal.

"Dad." I cry.

"Turn around."

I whimper and hiccup as i spin.