Family Portrait

Prologue

There it was again. The everlasting screaming. It was difficult for me to fall asleep. My dreams were haunted by a happy family falling apart. I was huddled at the corner of my bed. The teddy bear I had gotten for my fourth birthday was clutched to my chest. Poor Andy was soaked with my tears. I believed he was extra special. He was the only teddy that could speak to me. He hugged me until I fell asleep evey night.

My friends often made fun of me for having a stuffed animal as best friend. They didnt think I was telling the truth when I said that he could talk.

"Everything's going to be alright, Nessie, I promise." Andy whispered  softly, wiping my tears away. And I, being as young and as gullible as I was, believed him. I didnt think teddy bears could break promises, unlike people of which I had gotten used to being disappointed in.

The noise dies down and soon, I heard footsteps making their way towards my bedroom. The door creaks open and a bit of light seeps through. I was certain it was my father, coming in to check if I was still awake or not. I bury myself underneath the sheets quickly, I did not want to have to deal with my parents yelling at me again.

I hear him approaching me slowly. He plants a kiss onto my forehead and promised me he loved me no matter what. But did I believe him like I believed Andy? No, not at all. Humans were not capable of keeping promises. well, they were. But they didnt last very long. Much to my pleasure, he leaves again and closes my door slightly.

I got up once again, leaving Andy on my bed and turned on the lamp on my bedside table. I grabbed the picture frame that stood beside it and studied it carefully. It looked nothing like us. We all looked unbelievably happy, it was hard to believe that this was what became of us now.

The door opens fully once again and I panic. The panic subsides and I catch myself smiling. it turns out that it was not one of my parents, but my dog, Penny. He hops onto me and licks my face. "Penny!  No kisses!" I say, careful not to make my voice too loud so my parents wouldnt hear.

Penny sat beside me, staring at the picture frame. Penny and Andy are the only ones that makes me happy and I'm so thankful that I have them.

It 1:00 pm and I  did everything to put my mind at rest, but apparently it didnt want to go to sleep just yet.

I soon decided to drown everything out and listen to music.