Caryl (Forever Lost)

Chapter 1: Abuse

I swear, if that man were to touch me again, he would take his last breath... I've endured too much to be treated this way, my daughter has experienced too much for an 8 year old... It wasn't healthy for her to see her own father lay his hands on her own mother for an abusing purpose... I wanted to protect her... From him... But it wasn't going to happen unless the damn apocalypse were to start... Ed could be eaten alive for all I care. I could run with Sophia, and be happy... In an abandoned, dead life, or not. I will seek happiness for her...
Why I married that man in the first place? I will never know... I never knew the outcomes. He was so sweet, and gentle, and kind... So many aspects... But ever since I became pregnant with Sophia, he wanted to immediately leave. I begged him to stay with me, and he did... I said she needed a father to have in her life... But not this father. This man was nothing but a criminal and a man that has no respect for women. He has tried to lay hands on Sophia... More than once. I took all of the hits... Everyday she goes to school with long sleeves, even in the summer just to cover up her whip marks from her father... No. Ed. She covers in a corner at home, she shakes when she sees Ed walk by. His icy glares peirce us... I just wish I could escape this God Damned man... I would do anything.
Any chance I get, I send Sophia to her only friends house... The only one I would let her have only because he was my best friend, Lori's child. Lori and I were pregnant at the same time. Her kids name is Carl and he is 8 just like Sophia. Lori and Carl know what goes on at home, but I begged them both not to say anything. Lori threatened to call the police every time she sees a bruise or a scratch on me. I beg her not to. Only because it's my life that is on the line if she does... Sophia needs some kind of parent...
Carl's father, Rick... He was like a father figure to Sophia... The one who actually burped her and everything I wasn't allowed to do at home... Sophia knows I couldn't do it too... I wasn't being put on the guilt trip for this. Rick didn't know the conditions at home either... Lori promised her soul to never tell him because he is a cop... And he wouldn't hesitate to arrest... Or kill him. In a way, I loved Ed... Couldn't let the old, sweet man go... But I wanted to rid of him fast as well... And I am realizing,  I need to do it soon...