Anna
They clap as I walk in, and I blush.
“Thank you guys for coming, I appreciate you all.”
“We love you Anna,” they scream and my heart continue to flutter.
“Thank you,” I bow and bow and bow. “How would you like me to start this?”
“Tell us, after this novel launches, what’s next for you?”
I ponder for a few seconds, “you know, I’m thinking about maybe taking a break, as bad as that sounds. Then right afterwards, I’ll be back with something close to my heart.”
“Could we get a reason why?”
“Well…” I see him walk in and my eyes begin to close. My finger begins its tremors. All I can see, at the back of my eyelids is the darkness that gaps over me. He’s out of prison. He’s here, in front of me for the first time in 20 years hovering over me once again with his dark eyes and dark smile that abused me.
I see, at the back of my eyelids, the belts he took out of his wardrobe to beat me and Joanna. On my stomach, I lay as he slaps me with his belts to shape me into the woman he wants me to be - from his mouth I hear, “Do better, better better better….” My legs begin shaking.
I’m scared.
“Anna, everything okay?” I hear. The reporters are calling my name. “Anna” Their cameras click.
I open my eyes and the flashes capture the tears running down my face. “I..um,” I struggle to find words. “I.. um.. see..”
My eyes wander his way again. Breathe in and out - do it, and every beat from my heart hits my ribs so my breath can flow through - and I fall backwards.
Hours Later
“Ahh,” I scream as I open my eyes. He’s right next to me. I look to my arm and take out the IV drip before running out of bed. The nurses rush in.
“Are you okay?” They ask.
“What is he doing here?” I point to him. “I want him gone! I don’t want him near me please!”
“He’s not? Not your father?” the nurse looks at me.
“GET HIM OUT!”
He gets up from his chair and walks out of the room.
The nurse walks me back to the bed.
“I’m so sorry, he showed proof that he was kin. Is there anything you need?”
“Please don’t let him back in here,” I beg.
“We won’t.”
They dim the lights and walk out. My eyes look towards the window and up to the sky. I see my sister crying with me. He’s out of prison Joanna.” I sob.
“I don’t want him near me, Joanna. I miss you. I miss your presence.”
My thoughts continue till my eyes see nothing but pitch black - peace is near.
Dear friend, thank you for reading this short fiction of mine. Your support of TWSF is appreciated!!!
If you’re new, welcome to the world of the wanderer. I’m glad to have you here.