MONSTER IN THE CLOSET- Part Four: Did I Fall?
It was one of those days where Callie was with her mother.
At the end of the day, instead of hugging me, Ben knelt down in front of me and looked into my eyes.
"Gill, are you okay?"
I nodded.
He eyed my bruises disbelievingly.
I fell. I lied.
"You didn't fall. Who's hurting you?"
I didn't notice it until later, but one of those patterns flashed across his face when he said it.
Of course I didn't fall! But I can't tell you that.
Ben just sighed and hugged me tightly.
"Be careful, okay? And remember, no one has the right to hurt you. Have you got that?" He asked, pulling back to look into my eyes.
I nodded dutifully.
"Good." He said, seeming a bit more relieved.
"Come on, Gill." He said, faking a smile.
Wait! I need Sophie's blanket.
My baby sister died when I was three. Sometimes I would lie awake and wonder where she was now.
My mother used to say that she was in heaven, and that God was watching over her.
I'm not sure if I believe her anymore.
I ran to the bench that I always laid the blanket on while I played.
I didn't noice Ben watching me with an anxious expression, or the way his hands were curling into fists,
I was too concentrated on keeping mself from shaking.
