Breaking Point

Chapter 7

Tara *

"Honey are you okay?" Asks my mum after pulling away from the school.

I nod. "I.. I just needed a break. Sorry to call you away from work."

"Honey don't every apologise. You are my main concern right now okay."

"Okay. Thanks mum."

We drive the rest of the way in silence.

When we get home I got straight to my room. Pulling off my blouse and then my long sleeve shirt I look at my battered body in the mirror. My arms covers in cigarette burn marks, a web of white scares as well as the burnt patch of skin caused my a blowtorch. I shudder remembering the feeling and smell of my flesh burning. I run to the toilet just in time as I start to throw up.

Standing up I walk to the sink and brush my teeth. As I brush my teeth I take notice of the first cut in my left arm. The cut that happened when my shirt was being hacked away, I shudder as I think of how it came about. I rinse my mouth and walk back into my room. Taking a seat at my desk I pull out my art book and start to sketch. I sketch the knife that was used to cut away my clothing. I remember how the blade gleamed when the light caught the edging. I also remember that I could see my reflection in the blade. When the knife was brought down I could see a girl petrified with fear, staring right at me. As I draw the blade of the knife I draw the reflection of the girl, as well as the hand holding the handle tightly. I know that hand too well.

"Tara, honey." My mum says as she slowly opens the door to my bedroom.

I look up from my art book. "Yes."

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You've been up here for hours." She smiles softly.

"I'm...." I trail off.

"What are you drawing?" She steps further into my room.

I snap my book close.

Her smile fades away. "Oh.Tara I'm here if you ever want to talk."

I squeeze my eyes shut. "I know." Opening my eyes I see my mum's sad expression. She nods and walks out of my room.

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