My mom hit me again. This time I could only see out of one eye, the other had swollen shut. I ran past the Seam to the meadow, so I wouldn't have to face Dad. He won't do anything anyway, knowing will just make him upset. I cried and rocked myself as I watched the sun starting to creep into the sky. Usually, watching the sunrise makes me feel better, although it doesn't compare to the sunset. I rested my chin on my knee, my sobs gradually fading away.
It was still pretty dark out, but I didn't miss when two figures, one tall and one short, made their way to the fence. I shrunk down, knowing exactly who it was, where they were going, and that I didn't want them to see me.
"Dad, I heard something in the grass-" the little one said. I held perfectly still. "Do you think it was a squirrel?" She finished.
"Maybe, little girl. But let's wait till we get to the woods before we start hunting, okay?" The man hushed her. I breathed again.
"Will we find a deer today?"
"We can definitely try, how's that?"
"Okay." She answered, skipping ahead to lower her ear to the wire. I watched with a small smile on my face. Of course, she would cheer me up. She always cheers me up even though I've never spoken a word to her. I watched them until I couldn't see them anymore, and then I flopped over sideways to let the sun's rays warm my skin.
The left half of my face still pulsed, and looked at the bugs in front of my eyes to distract myself. One of them seemed to be having more trouble than the rest in carrying its seed. I watched as it struggled to push or pull it. I reached for it with my pinky to push the seed towards the tiny hole where the rest were disappearing. The bug stopped moving, and I left it a finger-width's distance away from the hole. The bug scurried to it, giving it a few final tugs to get it in. I smiled.
I must have fallen asleep, because the sound of voices woke me up.
"-go back home, I can take it from here."
"You sure, Dad?" I raised my eyes to see them come out of the woods with their finds. She had a small pinecone in her hand, and he carried a bag full of what must be animals.
"Mhm, I'm going to visit Greasy Sae, Rooba and Mr. Mellark, then I'll be home. Give this to Mom for me." He bent to smooch her cheek, making her giggle and wrap her skinny arms around his neck.
"Is there anyone you want me to say hi to at the bakery for you?" He teased. Her brow creased and mine went up.
"Mr. Mellark is the only one that knows me."
"Okay, if you say so..." He laughed and sent her on her way. I watched her braids disappear around the corner as she ran home. I waited for him to go into the Hob before I ran back home again. Mom would be mad, but Dad will be there too, and she never hits us in front of him. I'll be safe for now.