Today is just another day of living hell. I am taking the kits outside, with Callie in my arms, to get some food. If I don't have dinner ready on time, Neon will beat me again. I'd rather my children not see him doing those things to me. They are still so young. They have no idea what dangers lie in this world.

When I first met Neon, he wasn't so bad. He was sweet, kind, and, of course, handsome. I loved him right when I first saw him. We went on quite a few dates together and learned a lot about each other. After about a year of dating, we became mates. However, that's when things changed. He became angry all the time. He developed a more aggressive temperament. He started to abuse me. At first, he only hit me once or twice. It became to the point that, after a beating, I could barely stand. I manage to hide it from the kits, though. I don't want them to know. When the abuse first started, I didn't think that it was abuse. I thought that Neon would change. He never did, though. He never will.

I've learned over the years when to expect beatings. Sometimes, Neon will be really sweet. Other times, I will see his anger. His annoyance. His hatred. In those cases, I know that a beating is imminent. There is no way around it. Believe me, I've looked everywhere for a way to escape.

Now, I take my kits to the berry bushes that grow nearby. I settle Callie down in some soft, dry leaves. Then, we fill the basket full of delicious looking berries. I keep having to stop the kits from eating too many of the berries. If they do, then they won't be hungry for dinner. When the berries are picked, we start heading home.

When we get there, Neon is waiting for us. He doesn't look too happy. I know that it's because I don't have dinner waiting for him. I know what's going to happen. Neon will, no doubt, give me another beating. Neon growls as he comes towards us. "Where have you been?!" Neon shouts out the question.

"We were picking some berries to go with dinner. I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't mean to take that long," I try to apologize.

Neon slaps me across the face. "Shut up! I do the talking around here!" Neon yells.

Instead of speaking again, I nod my head. Neon just growls again and pushes me into the ground. He starts kitting me and kicking me. I yelp, causing him to become angrier. He hits me and kicks me harder. I clench my teeth, moaning, and waiting for it to be over.

Suddenly, I hear a shout. "Leave mommy alone!" It's Rita, my bravest kit. I want to get up and tell her not to face Neon, but I don't have the strength.

Neon stops beating me. I see him begin to approach Rita. His paw is raised and, before I can say or do anything, Neon slaps Rita across her face. Rita screams and begins crying. "There! That's what will happen if you ever cross me!" Neon snarls.

I've had enough. I get up. I grab a wooden staff and, using what remains of my strength, I swing it hard against Neon's head. He drops to the floor, unconscious. I quickly go to Rita. "Hey…are you okay?" I ask softly.

Rita sniffles and wipes her tears away. "Why would daddy hurt us?" She asks.

"I don't really understand it either. I promise you, he won't ever lay a paw on you again. We're leaving," I announce.

"Leaving? Where will we go?" Lucas asks.

"We'll go to your Aunt Natalie's place first. After I tell her what has happened, we will go find a new home for just us," I explain.

"Okay, mommy," Rita and Lucas say together.

I smile at my kits. "Rita, one more thing. I like how brave you were, but please don't stand up to Neon again. I don't want him to hurt you anymore," I speak.

"Yes, mommy. The only reason that I spoke up is because I saw daddy hurting you. I love you, mommy," Rita hugs me.

"Oh, I love you, too, sweetie," I return Rita's hug.

After our little hug, I speak again to both kits. "Go into your rooms and pack a small bag of your favorite things. I do mean a small bag. We need to travel fast to get away from him. I will do my best to replace the things that are left behind."

My kits nod their heads before going to do what I have asked. I go grab some baby toys and teething rings for Callie. The only thing of mine that I decide to take is my necklace. The pendant is that of a blue teardrop stone with a red middle. The stone is gold rimmed and on a gold chain. My mother gave it to me before she died. It is my most prized possession.

When the kits return with their small bags in tow, we start heading out the door. My older sister, Natalie, will be quite welcoming to us. She might have some idea as to where we should go. She'll be willing to help us. After all, she's the only one that I ever told about the abuse.

After a few minutes, we arrive at my sister's home. Natalie is inside. When she sees us with traveling bags in tow, she knows what we're up to. "I take it that you're leaving?" Natalie inquires.

"Yes, Nat. I can take the beatings, if only just, but he just slapped Rita! I couldn't let him harm my kits! I knocked him out. That gave us plenty of time to escape," I explain.

Natalie doesn't really look surprised by the face that Neon hurt Rita. She always said that it was a matter of time. "Well, I know of a cave nearby. I'll supply you with food and point you in the right direction. If you ever run into trouble, just find me. I'll help you out," Natalie smiles warmly at me.

I smile back. "Thanks, Nat. You're a great big sister to have," I speak.

"Yeah, I know," Natalie laughs. I laugh with her. For the first time in a while, I find that I can laugh.

Natalie goes off in the back of her cave. I wait with the kits, anxious to leave. Natalie returns a minute later with a bag stuffed with food. "This should last all of you for about three days. That should give you a little time to settle down. The cave that you need to reach is to the north. Good luck, Sophie. Remember, if you ever need anything, just holler!" Natalie smiles. She hands me the sack full of food.

I take the sack from her paws. "Thank you, Nat, for everything. Watch out for Neon! He's bound to come this way," I warn Natalie.

Natalie waves it off. "Don't worry about me. I can handle him. Now, go, and take care," Natalie pats my shoulder.

"You too," I reply. I start to lead my kits north, with Callie in my paws. Soon, we will be as far away from Neon as I can get us.