Tangled Love

Do you ever feel yourself float away from your physical body in order to protect yourself?

Do you ever experience pain so fresh, it feels like your entire body is ignited in flames?

Do you ever sit back and question why? Why me?

A slap, then a punch, followed by a kick.

"Next time, you do as I tell you. No questions asked!" Trevor hisses at me through clenched teeth. His pale face is turning bright red, seething with anger. I nod furiously, pushing my petite frame as far up against the wall as I can. My hands physically shake, trembling from the fear overtaking me.

Whatever you do, don't make eye contact with him Emily. . . Eye contact is seen as a challenge.

to wash the dishes left over from last night. I know it isn't a

His hand wraps itself in the strands of my hair and he pulls my head backwards, my scalp

deaf ears so I give up and lie there emotionlessly, letting him torture

wiping the tears away from my eyes. I refuse to cry. . . That's exactly

it out. My finger trail down my cheek under my eye where

the bruises don't show up

to lift my top to see the damage he inflicted. As expected

can tell the difference between a bruised

frame on my bedside table. A photograph taken of me as a little girl. . . large brown eyes shining happily as I sat on my fathers shoulders, holding onto his hair. His own eyes mirror

Dad and I were inseparable.

entered the room, I craved his attention. Mum had taken the picture on my sixth birthday party. I remember that day so well, the way my father smiled at me as he sang 'Happy Birthday'. I remember him clutching the cake in front of him, telling me to make