You're Special

Prologue

I lay awake on my mattress, staring into the darkness that envelops what I've come to call my room. The cries of the sick and abused echo throughout the walls of this hell house.

Can't sleep.

Never can.

I sit up in the emptiness, gazing around at the small children lying still upon their beds. It's hard being one of the oldest ones here; having to stay strong for the rest. I don't mind though. It's nice being looked up too. It's almost like they're all my younger siblings, and we all look out for each other. That's what siblings do, right? Sighing, I pull the blanket back up to my shoulders. Well, it's more of a rag than a blanket. Before laying back down, I take one more look around the room. Darkness. Like always, I think to myself.

That's when I see it. A low light, outside the door leading into the hallway. A flashlight? But that doesn't make sense. Everyone is asleep at this time. I slowly slide out of my bed and silently make my way to the door. Hesitantly, I reach for the doorknob...

Hold your breath.

Don't make a sound.

But before I could grip the cold metal, it turned. Bright light flooded into the room, shining in my face. I stepped back, shielding my eyes. The figure stepped towards me, causing me to fall back in alarm. From what I could see, it was a tall man. He had dark brown hair, a short scruffish beard, and dark chestnut eyes. He had on jeans, even a jean jacket, and I saw a gun strapped up on his side. The man took a step towards me. I stumbled back, falling backwards and landing on the cold ground, not sure what to do. Before I can do anything, he leans down towards me, holding out a hand.

"Jodi." He says softly. I stare at him, frozen. That's... That's my name! Why was this man saying my name? But that voice... I know that voice. It's a faint memory, but I know it. Then it hit me. It all pieced together in an instant; like one of those five second flashbacks of your life like what you see in the movies. I took a shaky breath, reached up and took his hand.

"Daddy."