short stories, sketches, and rants

Only Human

A girl stumbles down the street, her skin covered in cuts and bruises. Memories fill her head with painful reminders. Silent as chaos erupts around her, pretending the hits don't hurt. Staying up for weeks with no sleep and working like a slave. Smiling as she chats with guests, pretending nothing is wrong. Being the perfect daughter just for him. All for him. She coughs and covers her mouth, pulling her hand away to see a stain of red. She ignores it and keeps walking, her hair matted with sweat and blood. Her once bright eyes full as her heart was shattered forever ago. A sharp pain shoots through her chest as she's reminded of all the good things she's leaving. Another rush of memories comes. Working with her head down, keeping away from people. Taking on all of his burdens just to please him. To get some kind of affirmation. Another coughing fit hits her and she collapses against a building, gasping for air. Hot tears roll down her face and mix with blood on the pavement. They couldn't fix her even if they tried more. She musters up enough strength and moves to her knees, using the blood pouring to the concrete to write one last thing. She closes her eyes and takes her last breath, collapsing to the ground. Written on the white brick in red is just two words. Only Human.