Works In Progress

Hey, there! This is where I will be posting some stories and you can also check here for updates regarding my novels.

Sunshine

I’m swallowed up by the darkness. I’m unsure of how long the darkness had its grasp on me, but eventually I felt something cool on my forehead. I couldn’t quite make out his soft-spoken words. I slowly blink my eyes open only to be met with his concerned face looking down at me. He moves his hand up to caress my cheek. What happened?

“Are you okay? Is there anything I can get for you?”

“Yeah, some water please.”

He hands me a glass of water as I sit up. “Now tell me, are you okay? I’ve been so worried about you.”

“Yeah. Just a bit sore and feeling…a little dizzy now.”

“You took a nasty bump to the head, but don’t worry, honey, I will take care of you.”

Memories start to return. Now I remember. We were fighting again. He hit me. Why did I say those things? I’m not supposed to talk back. I am stupid and unwanted. I know that. He is right. Why did I disrespect him again? Everything he does is for me. Sometimes I don’t understand how, but he knows what’s best for me. He is my provider and my protector.

“I’m sorry for what I said and did. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know you are. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but you know better than that. I give you everything you need. You should be appreciative. Maybe we can take a walk?”

I grab his hand, and shakily stand. It’s been a while since I was last outside. Excitement overtakes any dizziness I was feeling. Arms interlocked, we slowly walk to the door. When the door opens, sunlight shines inside. I look to see thick grass sprawling out until the flower garden. We walk the path passing a few trees. There are flowers of every kind, but in the center are my favorite flowers. The bearded iris. The first flower he ever gave me.

“I think you have been outside enough. Let’s go back to your room.”

We walk back inside until we are back in my dark and damp room. Not feeling well, I rush to the bathroom. I throw up and begin to look for my last pregnancy test. It turns out positive. No, no, no… this can’t happen again. This is the third time. We always get to fighting, and I lose the baby.

When I return, he locks me in my room. I have a fitful sleep, but one thing is clear. This child must be protected. As I am thinking about it, he walks into my room. He’s leaving for work, giving me a list of chores, he expects to be done by the time he returns. He leaves without bothering to lock anything. I know and obey the rules. But now is the time if I’m going to do it. I take one last look at our home, I open the door, and step into the sunlight for good this time.