Age 8
Julian bit his lip as his dad landed another strike on his back with a belt. He didn't even try to stop it, limply taking it. He still cried, wishing his dad would just drop dead. Afterward's his dad would always leave him alone. Once his dad finally finished, he sunk to the floor, but was startled when gentle hands cleaned his back tenderly. He looked behind him to see his sister Chloe cleaning his back with a cloth.
"Why?" Was all he could muster.
"Because you're in pain; that's why. Just relax, its ok."
"No..no. Dad'll get mad at you." He slurred, feeling tired.
"Just relax sweetie. It's alright. Do you want to lay down?"
"Yeah." He said, taking the hand she offered him. She helped him lay down on his bed, on his stomach. He whimpered as she wiped a tender spot on his back. She made soothing noises and kissed the back of his head. He eventually calmed down as she finished cleaning him up. She made to leave when he grabbed her wrist and whispered, "Please don't leave. I... please don't." Chloe nodded and sat next to him on the bed. He watched her with lidded eyes, his hand still on her wrist. Chloe sighed and said in a soft voice, "Ok, I will. But first I need to put the towel away, then I can sit with you." Julian let her go, hesitantly. She walked out of his room and went into the laundry room throwing the towel into a hamper. She was about to walk out of there when she saw a bottle of melatonin. She took one and put it in her pocket. She walked back into his room and readjusted him. She laid his body on top of hers, with his head in her chest. She protectively put her arms around him and offered the melatonin.
"What is it?"
"Melatonin. It'll help you sleep."
He stared at it, before slowly taking it. Chloe sighed and rubbed his neck as he started to fall asleep. Once he fell asleep, she gently got him off of her, and pulled his sheets over him. She then left, silently closing the door.
Age 9
Julian was sitting outside at school reading, when the teacher called him into her classroom. Ms. Collins sat behind her desk while Julian sat in front of her.
"Is everything alright Julian?" She asked in a soft voice. Julian looked up at her, slightly alarmed. He knew what it was about; she must have seen his bruises.
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"You've had bruising for a while now. And in odd spots too. Your wrist, your face. Is someone hurting you?"
"No. I got into a fight with my brother."
"Alright. You know you can tell me if it's something else right?"
"I know. I'm fine. Can I go back outside?"
"Yes of course."
"Thank you."
Age 10
Julian drew another tally in his notebook. He always kept count of how many beating he got. So far he was up to 276 times of getting hit, 149 times of getting stomped/ kicked on, 67 times to getting whipped with a belt, 22 times of going without food, 45 times of being just outright humiliated and 36 times of sleeping in the basement. He rolled on his back and stared at the ceiling.