AMY
"Is it safe?" I whispered. I said it so quietly I doubted if I said it at all.
Hylla remained motionless by the door, half obscured by the darkness.
Then I heard her voice.
"Yes. Go, go!"
I darted out into the hallway, before my instinct could protest. Immediately, I was stopped in my tracks by the unmistakable reek of cheap alcohol.
I listened.
By the amount of bottles left in a heap, and the silence from his room, I gathered he was pretty hammered. I looked back at Hylla. Even though I could hardly see her, I felt her encouragement. Pushing on, my feet touched cold, rotting boards.
I had reached the kitchen.
My stomach groaned loudly. I clambered onto the sides and started pulling open cupboards and drawers. A small lump at the back of a cupboard caught my attention. I pulled it towards me.
It was a sizable lump of cheddar, a bit stale. Shaking with excitement, I shoved it down my tattered old nightgown. But my happiness was momcame from down the hall. Then another. I froze, my eyes fixed on the patch of darkness. A crash, then angry cursing. Dad was awake and blundering around in the dark. We had no electricity, that was a distant memory. He swore again, and must have finally found the door, because I heard a creak and groan as the old rusty door swung open. Footsteps got closer and closer to the kitchen and I finally got myself to move. Darting across the kitchen into the Cupboard, I yanked open the door and ran inside. Hard laboured breathing could be heard as he rummaged around in the dirty fridge, producing half a bottle of beer. Gulping it, he turned and plodded towards the cupboard.
Where I was.
YOU ARE READING
Free
AventureAmy and her sister, Hylla, are under the care of their abusive, drunk father, who only went downhill after their mother died. When things go too far, Hylla and Amy have no choice but to escape, to find their missing brother, who may have the key to...
