He rolled over, a cute and sleepy face visible. Innocent-looking. Who would know that such a secret could hide behind it? Half of you wanted to stay put and the other wanted to dash away from your room as fast as possible. You started calculating how long it would take your small feet to get up, and out. Maybe if I stand on my bed and jump off, I can make it there faster, you thought. Silly thoughts, he'd wake up even faster if you did that. Your mind was scrambling, trying to find anything to distract you from the beast beside you, but you couldn't resist. You felt the warmth radiating off him, almost giving off some sort of security. Like, as if he was some sort of safe haven. Before you knew it, you were leaning against him, snuggling under his arm. He chuckled, just like yesterday. Your stomach jumped up to your throat. You didn't dare make a sound. Oh god, he's up. You didn't want this, right? This is the opposite of what you wanted, correct? Your body disagreed with your mind, and dug deeper beneath his arm. So warm...
flashback**
"Mommy, look at me! Look at me!" You shouted, dangling off the monkey bars as if you were born in the jungle. Dangerously swinging side to side, making fun of gravity for not being strong enough to unfold your legs and knock you down.
Your mom was busy phoning the authorities, she was covered in bruises that she tried to hide beneath concealer two shades off from her pale skin. If anything, it made it more obvious. She was tired and sore of these new purple and blue spots appearing on her skin everyday, and on yours every time she defended herself. Why she still lived with your father, no one knows. Maybe it's fear, possibly love.
She died soon after the phone call, at the hands of your father. The only thing you could remember was her warmth. Even though she would be dying and hurting, she would still cradle you, and caress you. It's sad, you can't even remember her face. Maybe she had a cold, blue glacier, or a forest of green in her eyes. Or maybe they were as black and mysterious as your father's heart. Your mom's touch was probably the most normal thing in your family.
