The Weight of Years
391 Words
CHAPTER 4
The violence escalated as I grew older. By the time I was fourteen, my mum's body carried years of damage, cracked ribs that never healed properly, constant headaches and internal pain she tried to ignore.
Sometimes my mum tries to protect me in the only way she can.
She would lock me in my room to prevent me from hearing unwanted voices, sing lullabies at night even when her voice cracked from crying.
She would whisper words of affirmation through the door to distract me. She would pretend like nothing was wrong even when her body was getting weak.
One night while I was helping her to clean blood stains on the floor.
“I thought you said we'll leave” For a moment I thought she won't answer
“We're going to leave”
“It's been two years now since you promised me”
“Hazel leaving is dangerous”
“What about now”
She became silent. Then I knew my mum wouldn't believe she would survive freedom.
I cried silently.
“Mum you've to go to the hospital, you're running temperature and your body is very hot” I pleaded
“Hazel don't worry yourself I'll be fine” her voice was low almost like a whisper
“That's the problem I've with you mum, you never listen to me can you please just go to the hospital first ???” I rubbed my temples
She looked at me and smiled. “I'll go”
“Better and make sure you give me the report of what the doctor will say. I'm going to school mum. Bye I love you”
“I love you honey” she kissed my forehead.
It was another night. Another night of t*****e.
I heard her silent cries again. My heart ached and my anger grew.
“Mum we can still leave” I stared at her
“I don't know what to do” she replied
“We can leave or call the police or agency. Let's j…..”
She stopped me before I could finish my statement “Shh we won't involve the police or agency. I promise when the time is right we'll leave”
“Mum” I looked at her helplessly
“Is okay” she pulled me closer “Mama is strong”
- Writer
