Muffled sobs echoed wretchedly through the cracked door, crawling across the sharp shaft of light cutting through the dark room. My wide eyes stared at the golden streak painting itself starkly across the floor and up to the bed where I lay curled on my side, covers clutched tightly up to my nose. The sobs didn't belong to me, but my body trembled all the same, shuddering with each new cry.

Mommy.

I lurched when a heavy clump of boots creaked across the wooden floor. The sobs subsided into whimpers. A loud, slurred yell. A pleading apology. The resounding noise of a heavy-handed slap.

I yanked the covers up over my head, trying to hide under the sudden veil of darkness, but even with hands crushed against my ears and pained eyes squeezed shut, there was no escape.

This is my story. I cannot hide from it.