Sleep

Thump thump. What's happening? Why're you looking at me like that?1

Thump thump. Oh no, have you been drinking again? Please, I'll be a good boy, just like you wanted! Stop it Daddy, you're scaring me.2

Thump thump. My heart feels like it's about to explode out of my chest. But that doesn't scare me. What does is the drunken rage behind your clouded eyes. All the spite, anger and pain, twisting and twirling together into a deadly concoction and one of the strongest feelings of all. Hate. And it's all directed at me.3

Smack! Tears form in my green eyes as I'm sent sprawling to the floor. The hard wood feels cool and calm against my throbbing face. But it's not over, as you snatch up my small form, harshly yanking me by the collar, so that I'm face to face with my tormentor. Your hands are trembling,breath coming in ragged inhales. My feet are no longer touching the floor, I dangle helplessly at your mercy. You scream, scream that I'm the reason for your pain. Daddy please, let go! You're hurting me!4

Breathe. Stay alive, alive, alive. I struggle for air as your grip continues to tighten. Your beautiful brown eyes are filled with cruel-heartedness, nothing remains of the gentle man that raised and loved me. I hear the clock counting down the seconds until something happens. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Just as my vision grows blurry, you let go. But this wasn't the end, oh no. Your face contorts into anger, but your fist speaks louder than your face ever could. Painful knuckles connect with my ribs, agonizing bursts explode in my side. My prone frame topples over, tears staining the floor. Coughing, I raise myself on shaking arms, but a swift kick prevents that. A sickening crack echoes in the hallways, followed by my cries of pain. You watch in morbid fascination as my elbow shudders before collapsing on itself, bone snapping into pieces. I cry out in agony, but that just angers you more. SMACK! I whimper, begging you to stop. Crunch! Metallic blood sprays out of my mouth and onto the carpet. Broken ribs shatter, leaving shards throughout my lungs.5

Scream. Cry for help, forgiveness, redemption, anything. Just make it stop. Did you really have a bad day today, Daddy? It hurts so much more than normal. Something's wrong, can you see it? I can. Blood gurgles as I try to breathe, but no mercy comes. Eyes squeezed shut, ragged breathing slows. Is it over? I open my eyes in time to see a plank of wood sail down onto my jaw. Wood splinters, bone shatters, a scream longer than before drowns out all other noises. What's happening? Why do I feel so cold?6

Twitch. Try to move, talk, anything. The piercing needles in my arm and chest have turned turned to a dull throb, jaw is numb completely. Do I have to leave already, Daddy? Can I stay long enough to say goodbye to Mommy, say how I'll miss her? By the way you're looking at me, I guess not. The drunken rage is replaced by sober horror as you rush to my side, cradling my broken body in your arms. Please, I'm getting blood on your best shirt.7

Sleep. It's too late for me now. I lie battered and broken in your arms, yet I don't hate you. A single tear lands on my cheek, falling sorrowfully from your pained eyes. The demon is gone from you now, I'm not afraid to die. It's all I can do to keep smiling at you. You didn't let me die alone, and I'm grateful for that. All I see is your blood spattered face, eyes rimmed in agony and face contorted in tears. Reaching up, I rest my hand on your flushed cheek and struggle to push back the encroaching darkness. Vision dimming, I struggle to keep my eyes open, but once I realize that my eyes are indeed open, it's time to stop fighting. Closing those weary orbs slowly, I let myself slip away softly. Two sets of eyes close, one forever, and one momentarily. Opening again, hazel searches for emerald but finds none. As I walk towards the soft light, I look back at you. I'll wait forever if I have to, Daddy. Until we can be a family again.