My hand fumbled for the phone. Pain struck throughout my whole body as I struggled to get up. Tiny droplets of blood was seeping out of the side of my forehead. He was hovering over me, storming all over the house. I shuddered. It wasn't only that I feared him but resentment and anger had built over the past years. Wearily, I dialed the number and waited. No answer. It was no use trying to call the neighbor. I couldn't call the police. 1

Hearing his raging screams coming nearer and nearer, I crawled to the closest escape. Shutting the door firmly behind me and locking it, I cradled myself while he pounded furiously upon the door. More pounding but I knew I was safe from him. Enclosed within the small confinement, I hummed a short lullaby Ma always sang to me. The pounding ceased and I let out a sigh of relief. Sooner or later, he will reside.2

Morning came and school became the biggest struggle I dealt with. It was strange that in one small building, such an enemy could be lurking by. Teasing, gossiping, bullies. There was nowhere to escape nor hide. I was surrounded by hundreds of students at a large ratio. There was only me to defend. 3

Walking down the halls, I spot a group of kids surrounding my locker. As I approach them, I see that they have purposefully vandalized my belongings. Or what was left of my belongings. Only shreds of paper and a cracked mirror were scattered on the floor. They snickered as I passed by. With tears stinging in my eyes, I was determined to be strong. I dared not to make any eye contact and ignored their presence. 4

"Emo-dork!" one girl shouted behind me.5

Pacing faster in the hallways, I turned a sharp corner and headed towards the restrooms. There, I sat in the stall for the rest of the day, intending to skip all of my classes. School was one thing I hated besides home. There was no place to go.6

Back at home. He hasn't come back yet. This was only the few times I enjoyed. Making a peanutbutter sandwich, I settled myself on the couch and watched television. Screw everything else. Homework was not important. By then, time passes by so quickly, I barely hear his footsteps.7

Spinning around, I face the man who had abused me for the past 4 years. By his bloodshot eyes, I could tell he was drunk. Inching backwards, I didn't see his hand slap me full in the face. Stumbling to a corner, he continues onwards, kicking and shoving me to the wall. Gasping for air, I feel as if my ribs were slowly wasting away. 8

"Dad, please don't do this", I cry out.9

"Ye want more, heh? Don't you dare talk back to your ol' dad."10

With that, he viciously kicks my side. I fall to the ground with pain burning mercilessly.11

He continues to kick, this time with more intensity than the last. He keeps on kicking and kicking until I hear a crack in my ribs.12

"Stop, Dad!", I pleaded. "Please stop!"13

Ignorant of my plea, he keeps on going. Tears pour down my face. I am no longer the child I once was. 14

Hours passed and he finally gave up. Trudging upstairs and falling to sleep, I wait for his snores before I get up. The pain doubles and I am forced to crawl. On all fours, I crawl out the door and to the nearest shelter I can find. It is at the playground where I find shelter. In the cold, dreary night, I cradle myself once more from the dangers that might come. 15

Out in the distance, I spot a tree. Nearby, a swing hangs from it. Inching my way slowly, I finally make it to the tree. Withdrawing the knots that tie around the swing, I make a loop from the rope. Securing around my neck, I decided to test the stability of the tree. With one pull, I felt a tingling sensation before darkness succumbed me.