Reminiscence of Oak and Ash

Pilot

I don't even know how it happened. One minute I was washing dishes, and the next, there's broken glass on the floor. The plate had just slipped out of my hands, making a loud noise. I froze, staring at the broken pieces. Oops. I didn't mean to break it. Before I could even think, I heard my dad's voice.

"Arinah!" He yelled at me. My chest tightened as he shouted, "What now?!"

I looked up at him, his face red and angry like anytime he gets mad at me for doing something wrong. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I looked to the floor in fear of getting hit again.

"You're so careless!" he yelled. "Look at the mess you made!"

I tried to hold back my tears but they still started to spill. I wasn't crying because of the broken glass, but because I was scared of him-I really didn't want to make him angry.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, but it didn't seem to matter.

He didn't say anything. He just marched over, grabbed me by the arm, and yanked me away from the broken plate. My body tensed. I knew what was coming.

"I can't believe this," he muttered as his hand raised. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the pain.

The slap came hard, making my head snap to the side. The sting burned, and I stumbled back, hitting the counter. But I didn't cry out. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"You're nothing but a waste of space," he spat. His breath smelled like cheap beer. Just like it always did. The smell disgusted me.

I tried to tell him I didn't mean to. I didn't mean to break the plate, it was an accident. But it didn't matter. And I knew that. He never listened to me. He tightened his grip on my wrist, dragging me toward the door. I couldn't even fight back.

"Get out," he growled.

Without saying a word, he pushed me out the door and slammed it behind me. The cold air hit my face, and I shivered. I turned away from my front door and started running. I didn't care where I went, as long as it was anywhere but here. My legs were growing tired, but I didn't care.

I ran past the houses, the dark streetlights blurring as I went. The only place I felt safe was under the big tree near the woods. The trees loomed ahead like shadows, and I ducked between them, trying to catch my breath. I didn't care if it was getting late. I just needed to be away from him.

The tree was there, just like always. Big and tall, its branches swaying in the wind. I couldn't see it too well in the dark, but I didn't need to. I knew where it was. I slowed down when I got close. My feet hurt from running, but I didn't stop. I had to get there. I dropped to my knees under the branches, breathing hard. I wiped my tears, but it didn't stop them from falling.

Then I heard the soft crunch of leaves. I didn't need to look up-I already knew who it was. He was always there when I needed him.

"Arinah?" he said quietly, sitting down next to me. His voice was low, but I could hear the worry in it.

"Enzo," I silently whispered, my voice breaking. I couldn't even look him in the eyes.

He didn't say anything right away. He just pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. I didn't even try to fight it. I just let him.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice muffled against his shirt. "I didn't mean to break the plate. I didn't mean to make him angry..."

"I know, Ari," he said, his voice calm, like he always knew what to say. "You didn't do anything wrong."

I shook my head, wiping my nose. "But he always gets mad at me no matter what I do anyways. Always."

Enzo stayed quiet for a second. "I seriously hate seeing you like this," he finally said. "You don't deserve it."

I looked up at him, feeling a little better. He was always like this-like he wanted to protect me. He always told me everything would be okay, even when I didn't believe him.

"I don't want to go back there," I whispered.

"You don't have to," Enzo said, his words steady. "Soon, I'll get us away from here. Just you and me."

I sniffled and wiped my tears, but I couldn't help the small spark of hope that flickered inside me.

"You promise?" I asked.

"I promise." Enzo smiled, but it wasn't his usual smile. It looked more serious. Then he said, "I have a plan."

"What is it?" I looked up at him with questioning eyes. Is it going to actually get us out of here?" I questioned.

Enzo slightly nodded his head looking down at me, "You'll see soon." Pulling me closer he says, "I'll get us out of here."

I leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his body next to mine. For the first time, I felt like maybe I wasn't so alone.