Breaking Free

I braced myself for the next stinging blow, covering my face with my hands. The belt struck my back, I tried to hold in a sob as I was hit over and over. I open my eyes and look up slowly afraid he's still in the room. Wincing as I stand up, I make my way to the small vanity that sits in the corner of my room. I stare into the hazel eyes that gaze back at me, trying to find anything willing to fight back. My face is red, blotchy, and tear stained. My blond hair normally with long beach waves, is tangled and frizzy. I take one more look at my tattered state and burst into tears. Sobs rack my body and I can't control them, just another thing in my life I have no control over. I know that I have to stop or else he'll hear me and come back in. I try to calm down but everytime I do, another wave hits and I'm powerless against it.