Sari's POV

Normal kids pull themselves out of bed in the morning to a alarm clock.

I pull myself out of bed at 2 AM to the screams of my parents. Maybe 4 AM if it's a good week.

It was a really bad day today. The screams were louder, and they sounded more vicious. I became immune to it long ago, but as I tried to snuggle deeper into my blankets, my heart seemed to ache. I cuddled with my pillow until I heard glass break. I flinched, and even though my brain was telling me I shouldn't go down there, my instinct was screaming at me to. I jumped out of my bed, and my covers dropped to the floor. It was so cold in this house. I shook as I quietly walked down the stairs. Not that they would notice if I was loud anyway.

The sight I saw was all too familiar. My mom, shouting. Broken glass at my dad's feet, a cut on his arm. I felt sick. Before they could notice me, I went back up the stairs to my cozy room. It had worked as a sanctuary for a certain extent, but some nights, like this night, it just wouldn't do. My eyes darted from my desk to my bed, still weighing my options as to stay or to go. I could grab my purse off my desk, and go to my grandpa's house or deal with it and take the risk of accidental injury and more emotional damage.

Grandpa's house it is.

I grabbed my small purse off my desk, opening it to see what I call my survival kit. My wallet, phone, car keys, a bottle of water, a pair of sandals and candy. I was ready.

I went back down the stairs, only to realize they were in the kitchen now. I looked down at the broken glass mere feet away from me, recognizing it immediately as a vase that used to sit on the mantle. I sighed heavily, and went out the front door. The night air was warm, and a welcome change from the cold house. The wooden porch felt nice beneath my feet and I almost wished I could stay out there all night. But then the screams started again, and I knew I couldn't. With a heavy heart, I trudged down the few brick stairs and made my way across the lawn to where I always parked my car, under one of the few big oak trees in our yard. I fished in my purse for the car keys to my Subaru. I curled my toes, savoring the feeling of my bare feet in the grass. I grabbed my keys and unlocked the door, stepping inside. Soon I was out of earshot of the screams and I relaxed slightly. I pulled out my phone, driving slowly. I was glad there was no cars out so I could drive at this slow speed. I called my grandpa, praying silently he'd pick up.

"Hello?" His voice was tired.

"Papa?" My voice sounded much weaker than I thought it would, and I realized I hadn't stopped trembling yet.

"Baby? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I just had to get out of there again."

"Oh, Honey... I'm not home. Late night at the office." His words left me momentarily speechless.

"W-what?" I choked.

"I'm so sorry. Use your spare key." He replied. Tears had started to slip out of my eyes by then.

"Dad f-found it." I hiccuped. Nights like these started becoming more common so he had given me a key. My dad had found it and yelled at me, but I didn't think it would matter much since Papa almost never worked late nights.

"On no. Hang on, baby, I'm on my way, just wait-"

"I'll be okay." I interrupted. I didn't want him to have to work even more nights. The spare key was supposed to be a alternative, but when my dad found it that was over quick.

"It's not right for-"

"The world isn't right. If it was I wouldn't be making this call. I'll be fine, Papa. I can wait." A part of me wished he would protest anyway, but at the same time I knew I couldn't keep putting such a burden on him. He sighed heavily.

"I'll be off in a few hours. Call me if something happens."

"Alright. I love you."

"I love you too. Bye." And with that, he hung up. I pulled over, and put my face in my hands, letting my phone tumble to the floor of the car. I had nowhere to go, it was 2 AM, and I was wide awake. I finally decided to just drive. I turned the radio to a random station.

Hey girl, look at my mom, she's got it going on
Ha, you're blinded by her jewelry.
When you turn your back she pulls out a flask
And forgets his infidelity.

My demons were most definitely after me tonight, this part of the unknown song was basically my life. Before I could hear anymore I turned the radio off for good. I didn't need anymore songs reminding me of my messed up life. I don't know how long I had driven before my stomach rumbled, clearly audible in my silent car. I needed food. I took in my surroundings, and saw a McDonald's nearby. A hamburger couldn't hurt. I pulled in a parking space, and grabbed my purse from the passenger seat. I flipped open the mirror on my visor to see my dark green eyes were red and puffy from my silent cries. Looking at them made me want to cry even more. Not caring at that point, I picked up my phone from the floorboard and shoved it in my bag. I strapped on my sandals, and took my keys. I stepped out and locked the car. I walked into that McDonald's looking like the mess I was.

I was always wary of my appearance, but not tonight.

I, Sarina Elsa Andersen, was officially on the edge of breaking for the first time in my life, and it didn't feel good.