Alone

Chapter 4

Olivia's POV

The early morning light filtered through the trees as I stepped out of the house,
the cool air tingling against my skin.

It was Saturday, 6 AM to be exact,
and I like to go for a morning jog on weekends,
a chance to clear my mind before facing another day with my parents.

Glancing back at the house, I saw my dad sprawled on the couch,
snoring softly with an empty bottle in his hand.

I miss the days where my dad was present, when things were different.

I miss my dad.

I closed the door behind me and set off at a steady pace towards the nearby woods.

With each step, I felt the weight of my troubles slowly lifting,
replaced by the rhythm of my footsteps on the pavement.

Once I reached the edge of the forest, I broke into a run.

I dont listen to music, instead,
I want to be fully present and absorb the sights
and sounds of nature around me.

As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the landscape,
I pushed myself to run faster, the wind whipping through my hair.

Eventually, I slowed to a stop at my favorite spot.

A quiet lake nestled amidst the trees.

The water sparkled in the morning light.

I found a comfortable spot beneath a tree,
breathing in the fresh scent of the forest as I closed my eyes
and let the warmth of the sun wash over me.

Time seemed to stand still as I lost myself in the peaceful surroundings,
the worries of the world fading into the background.

But as the sun climbed higher in the sky,
I knew it was time to return home.

—

As I returned home, the tense atmosphere was noticeable.

My dad was already awake, drinking a beer at the kitchen table,
while my mom bustled around cooking breakfast.

I hesitated at the threshold, wishing I could turn and flee,
but my hunger said otherwise.

"Morning,"
I mumbled, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

The last time I didn't greet my dad he got really mad.

Ignoring their silence, I made my way to the fridge,
hoping to find something to eat.

But my hopes were dashed when I found it nearly empty.

So I just took one banana and a granola bar.

I sighed inwardly, resigning myself to my meager breakfast.
It wasn't much, but it would have to do.

As I turned to leave, hoping to escape without drawing attention,
my dad's sharp voice cut through the air like a knife.

"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his words laced with anger.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.

He continued, his tone growing even sharper.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!"

I turned back to face him, my hands trembling at my sides.

He rose from his seat, his movements unsteady from the effects of the alcohol.

With each step, my fear raised,
and I instinctively raised my hands to shield myself from whatever was to come.

But instead of violence, all he did was snatch the banana from my hand.