Motherless

Facing the Unknown

I snuck down the hallway, trying not to make any noise. The house was quiet, but it was that kind of quiet where you just knew something bad could happen any second. I heard my mom's voice coming from the living room. She was talking to my stepdad, but I couldn't quite make out the words. I was just hoping to grab a glass of water and go back to my room without them noticing.

But as soon as I stepped into the living room, I saw their heads turn toward me. Their eyes were like laser beams, just drilling into me. My mom's face twisted in annoyance, and my stepdad leaned back on the couch, his arms crossed like he was ready for a fight.

"What do you want?" my mom snapped. "You can't just stay in your room like you're supposed to? You have to come out here and bother us?"

I felt like I'd been caught stealing something. I tried to explain that I just needed water, but my voice came out all shaky and quiet. My stepdad snorted, like he didn't believe me. "Water? At this time of night? What are you really doing, sneaking around, spying on us?"

I took a step back, but my mom wasn't done. She stormed over and grabbed my arm, her nails digging in. "What did I say about creeping around?" she yelled. "You're always in the way, always causing trouble. We can't have one night of peace with you around!"

I tried to pull away, but she held on tighter. Tears filled my eyes, but I knew if I cried, it would just make it worse. My stepdad got up and walked over, his eyes cold and mean. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice low and threatening. "And don't come out again, or else."

I nodded and tried to leave, but my mom yanked me back, her grip bruising my arm. "Did you hear what he said?" she shouted. "You're nothing! Go back to your room and stay there!"

I finally broke free and ran down the hallway, my heart pounding like a drum.

And then I woke up.

I shot up in bed, my heart pounding, and my skin damp with sweat. The darkness in my room was stifling, pressing down on me like a heavy weight. I could still hear the echoes of the nightmare—the shouting, the threats, and the cruel words. It felt like they were still in the room with me. I had to get out. I couldn't stay here.

I threw off the covers and rushed down the hallway, the floorboards creaking under my feet. Melody's room was at the end, and the door was slightly open, casting a soft glow from her nightlight. I burst in, struggling to catch my breath, my whole body shaking. Melody groaned as she turned over to see who it was, her eyes blurred from sleep.

"Talia?" she asked, her voice groggy but gentle. "What's wrong, honey? Are you okay?"

"Can I stay with you?" I pleaded, my voice cracking with fear. "I had a really bad dream. Please, I don't want to be alone."

Melody sighed, but it was that understanding kind of sigh. She lifted the covers, making room for me. "Of course, you can," she said, sliding over. "Come here, sweetheart. It's okay."

I climbed into bed, feeling Melody's warmth immediately. She wrapped her arm around me, pulling me close against her. I felt her gentle breaths on my hair, steady and calming. The nightmare still felt too close, but Melody's presence started to push it away.

"You're safe now," she whispered, planting a kiss on my forehead. "I've got you. Nothing's going to hurt you while you're with me."

I pressed my cheek against her shoulder, my tears soaking into her pajama top. Melody didn't seem to mind. She kissed my cheeks, her touch soft and reassuring, and began to stroke my hair. I felt myself start to relax, her gentle motions soothing me like nothing else could.