Endure

prologue

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A sickening melody played down the empty halls and pulled at my heart strings. The man behind the tune of footsteps, he was the beast who kept me begging for death.

Piperrrr

Piperrrrr

He called my name, almost as if it was a taunt, a dare. He wanted me to run, he wanted me to fail. He would catch me, he did every time.

Menacing laughter echoed through the halls ," Oh my dear Piper, I promise I won't bite. Lets play a game, shall we? I will turn my back and count to five, then you may run. 1....2...."

And so I did, my small footfalls echoed in the terrorizing home, I could see the outcome looming above me. He was nearing five and I had barely cleared the hall.

" Oh Piper, I can hear you. You must be quieter than that. I've reached five my dear, run."

And soon I heard his footsteps too, he was coming for me, and I once again fell victim to the monster.

I was running, running for my life. He was the lion, I was trapped in his den. So many years I had lived wondering when I would be free, I soon came to the realization that the only person who could free me would be myself.

My mother had fallen pregnant to a man who would soon be the death of her. I was born into a home of constant harassment, I never felt peace in my lifetime. The simple solution, call the authorities, but that became impossible without connections to the outside world or any devices to do so.

He had cleared every level in this goreish game, he was not my father, and he was not a man.

"My, my, Piper, this is quite fun. Let's spice things up. If you reach the first floor before I catch you, I shall spare you of injury tonight, but if not, you will stay in the basement for the next 7 days. Deal? Very good."

A shiver trailed through my spine, now more than ever, I needed a way out. I couldn't bare another trip to the basement, I would rather die.

I reached the second floor and continued fervently, the exit would be soon if I could continue. That was when I heard My fathers footsteps behind me, closer than before, the halls became ice cold. I gasped as I ran faster, I had to leave. I had to run.
Damn this mansion, these large spacious halls, the wide corridors and many rooms of dust.

I reached the final staircase to the first floor before a hand managed to take hold of my wrist, I let out a blood curtling scream knowing this may just be the end of me.

" Now , now Piper, there is no need for such theatrics."

Silent tears rose in my eyes, I could barely contain the fear that consumed me. I began to fight against him unwilling to be condemned to the basement, he laughed at my efforts but still I continued. I screamed, I thrashed, I scratched, and for one small moment his grip loosened , and that was all it took to break free. Yanking my arm from his hold, he lost balance, and soon he fell down the woodened stairs, stair by stair he reached the bottom thumps echoing along the way.

I quickly made my escape to the servants staircase that exited to the kitchen, if I could make it there, I could make it outside if I was fast enough.

My footsteps echoed and I heard my fathers growls, he was rising, and he was angry. I heard his screams of anger ," PIPER! I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS IN MY HOUSE! THROW YOUR POOR FATHER DOWN THE STAIRS! I WILL SHOW YOU RESPECT YOU SPAWN! YOU DEVILISH CHILD!"

I had no time to stop and ponder his statements, no time to freeze. I knew if he caught me it would lead me to much worse than 7 days in the basement now.

I reached the kitchen as he came roaring around the corner, his face red with anger. He snatched at me with his rough calloused hands, but I refused to be caught. I dodged and swerved until he had me backed into a corner, then I proceeded to reach for the knife.

I had never shown violence towards my father, but tonight it would end. His reign of terror would end. I didn't want to hurt him, but I couldn't simply live this life any longer.

I held the knife firmly in front of my quivering body," Father, please do not do this."

" Oh but Piper, we are just getting started."

And with those words he lunged at me, swinging the knife I closed my eyes as his cries of pain were heard. Opening my eyes I set my eyes on the sight that would forever haunt me, the knife had lodged itself into his side.

I watched in horror as he clenched his teeth and retracted it, refusing to fall injured.

My eyes widened as he held up the bloody knife and turned towards me menacingly," Oh Piper,what have you done."

I had no time to move as I stood stock still in shock as the knife that had just moments ago been buried in his side, impaled my stomach with such force that I let out a scream of horror, of such pain I was becoming numb.

I fell to the floor clutching my stomach as blood flowed onto the floor around me, I let out labored gasps as I took in my surroundings, my father approached still.

I let out cries as I knew he would soon drag me to the basement with each step he took the fear and pain overwhelmed me, and just when I thought I was done for, the wooden door burst. Police filtered into the home taking in the scene, my father was tackled to the floor while strangers proded at me.

I could do nothing but stare hazily at my father as he cursed me, as he promised vengeance, even with him in handcuffs, I knew I would never be safe.