Her thoughts

Part Two

I remember this time when mum decided to take my sister and I out for a drive and to get some ice-cream, this wasn't the first time but it's one of the only times I remember feeling genuinely happy. Everything was okay, I was okay. We were driving with the windows down and we sang until we couldn't anymore, I remember closing my eyes and feeling the wind blowing in my face and I smiled. Everything could get better, I had to believe that.

We chose our ice-cream flavours and sat by the window, it's where we usually sat because that's when it began to get dark and we liked to watching the sunset as the colours of the sky changed. We talked and laughed for what felt like hours until we felt tired and mum decided it was time to go back home. This is what I dreaded after everyday, home.

We pulled into our driveway and I heard mum sigh softly, I thanked her for taking us out and she gave me a small smile, I want to get us far away someday. I will get us far away someday.

I took my sister straight upstairs, she didn't hesitate to follow me and that broke my heart, she's seven and knows what's going to happen. I give her a hug and kiss her head softly, I remember telling her I loved her and she said it back, I tucked her in before closing her door as she fell asleep. I knew she was going to be stronger than me one day, she'll grow up to be brave and an amazing woman, and that's all I want, I want her to grow up to be the person I couldn't.

I eventually fell asleep as the shouting finally ends. I feel sick as I hear her cries echoing from the bathroom.

Dad wasn't always like this, he used to be the best dad, in my opinion anyway. Mum used to say that if she knew he'd turn out like this, then she would've left but she knows that if she leaves now, he'll end up getting us because he's got a steady income and he's quite known because of the job he has. I feel bad for her, she used to be happy but I've never seen someone carry so much sadness in their eyes. If I didn't see her everyday, I wouldn't recognize her, she's lost her glow and her personality. He's taken everything away from her and if I could do anything, I'd make it so she's happy again. I just want my mum back.