Scarred Heart

Chapter 1

                     Linas's Pov

“You're nothing, you're an insolent child. How dare you touch my belongings!? You're just like that useless father of yours,” my mom spat, her bitter words hitting me hard.

To say those words didn't hurt would be a lie they cut deep, no matter how used to them I’d become. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my head. I could only guess that either my mom or sister had hit me. My head had apparently become their favourite spot, as they always told me I was a useless, brainless child in need of constant hitting to “ get my senses back.” I fell to the floor, my surroundings blurring for a couple of minutes.

“You're nothing, Lina; don't you ever forget that. The only reason you're living well is because we are merciful. You think you deserve what you have? Don’t forget who gave it to you. If I were you, I would be more grateful and respect mom more, but you are not," Krista snickered as she laughed.

When did I ever disrespect her? I respected her all the time. The reason I was holding mom’s necklace was because it was on the floor and, I was trying to keep it safe.

What was I supposed to do? leave it on the floor? But if I did, and Mom didn't find it, then I would be accused of stealing her precious jewellery. Arghhh! Why is life so complicated? Actually, why is mom so complicated?

“Krista, don't waste another second on this… on her.” Mom’s words were like a cold slap, cutting deeper than I expected even, before I heard the bat drop to the floor. The sharp clang echoed, lingering in the silence that followed. She grabbed Krista’s hand, pulling her away without another glance at me.

I sat there, my head throbbing feeling the warmth of blood trickling slowly down my temple. My vision blurred, my body felt like dead weight against the cold, hard floor. Tears slipped down my cheeks, warm against the sting of the cut.
Why did they hate me so much?

A soft, painful cry came out of my aching throat. I roughly wiped away my tears. Breath in and out, in and out, I tried to keep my emotions calm. I wish I  had an idea why a mother would reject her own child and treat her so despicably. I only had feelings of love and care for them but it looks like I was the only one.

“Lina! Get out here and start cooking!” Mom’s voice shot through the walls. I flinched, feeling my heart pound faster. I knew that tone-it was the one that demanded instant obedience, and I didn’t dare disobey.
Forcing myself to my feet, I massaged my knees and made my way to the kitchen. The pain throbbed in my head with each step, but I kept moving, each second aware of what would happen if I didn’t.

I went to the kitchen, took the stool, and sat down. My hands shook as I reached for the vegetables, focusing on each move trying to keep calm. I started peeling the potatoes and dipped the already-peeled ones in a bowl of water, watching the dirt dissolve slowly. I forced my hand to keep working although I felt numb.

I grabbed a cooking pan, adding just enough oil before tossing in the chopped onions. They sizzled and pooped in the heat, a golden colour appeared, filling the air with a familiar, calming scent. I hurried to finish each step, knowing what would happen if dinner wasn’t prepared on time. The thought of going without food again displeased me and I quickened my pace ignoring my fatigue.

I wouldn’t mind a small portion of food,  as long as I didn’t go to bed starving tonight after all the work I had done. Survival had become my focus but tonight everything felt different, I was slowly losing hope. I needed something to hold on to, even if it was just the thought of food.
I stepped out of the kitchen and into the cold night air, desperate for a brakfrom the hardships of life needing to breathe .

The sky was a deep shade of black and the moon glowed brighter than I have ever seen it. The stars scattered like tiny sparks, surrounded the moon as if promising to protect it. I felt a sense of comfort praying that one day, someone will protect me, like the stars protect the moon. It was just a thought, but it gave me hope.