-1DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS OF CSI. I HAVE JUST BORROWED THEM AND PROMISE TO GIVE THEM BACK UNHARMED.

A/N: This is just a short story that has been flying around my head and I decided to get it out of the way so I could continue with my other story. This story contains MATURE CONTENT so if you are offended please don't read. Please read and review, it encourages me to keep writing. Something bad happened to a very good friend of mine and this story is my way of dealing with the news.

Life after pain

I couldn't believe it, he was here again! Just standing there staring at me with that snarl on his face. I had nowhere to hide, he'd already spotted me sitting in the corner with my books. He hated it when I read. He said that a girl had no need to have an education they were supposed to stay at home and care for their family. He slowly made his way towards me and before I could even move his fist came at my face. I could feel my neck swing violently to the side with the impact and I knew I would have one black eye later on. He continued to throw punches at me aiming anywhere that he could reach as I tried to get away from him. I backed up until I hit the wall. I knew that I was trapped now. As he got closer to me I closed by eyes and prayed that this would all be over. Suddenly he grabbed me round the throat. I could feel his fingers pushing on my wind pipe as I struggled to get free. I could feel myself becoming light-headed as oxygen became an issue. Using all the strength I had left in my body I kicked him as hard as I could between the legs. He released his hold on me just enough for me to get away. I ran as fast and as far as I could screaming for help along the way. This was one time that my father was not going to get away with hurting me. I trip over a tree root and fall headlong down the path. I sit up as quickly as I can and…..

…..I find myself sitting in my bed, covered in sweat and trembling violently. It had all been another nightmare. Just a bad memory from my past. As I sat there trying to catch my breath I felt an arm touch my back. As I turned round I smiled slightly at my wife. I could see the concern in her eyes and she voiced as much.

"Sara, are you ok?" she said

"it was just a nightmare Cat" I replied "I'll be alright in a minute. The case we caught today just brought back some memories that's all"

She pulled me towards her and I lay down in her arms drinking in the love she had for me. As I started to calm down I knew how lucky I was. I had a gorgeous wife and a lovely daughter and nothing my father had ever done to me would ever change that. I smiled up at Catherine before giving her a loving kiss.

"I love you baby" I said

"I love you too" she replied.

With that we both drifted back off to sleep and I dreamt of our future instead of my past.