~

Everything hurts. It’s dark. Did he leave…? No, he’s still here. Still down the stairs. He’s mad again. Mad at who…? At…is he going to hit? Is he going to hit again?

Eyes close. It hurts. Hurts everywhere. Won’t stop hurting.

Eyes open. He’s coming--coming! He’s mad. Got to get up. Got to run. Run away. Stop the hurt.

Make way to the door. Run! Legs are sore. Run! Got past him. He’s really mad now. Keep running! Don’t fall. Don’t fall. Don’t fall! He’ll get you. He’ll get you again. Don’t fall. Keep running. Legs’ sore. Hurts everywhere. Don’t fall.

Don’t…fall.