Chapter 19
1013 Words
LAUREY'S P.O.V
I woke up this morning to the sound of bottles crashing. I quickly ran downstairs and instantly regretted it. A piece of broken glass flew toward me. I managed to dodge it, but it grazed my shoulder, leaving a painful cut down to my elbow.
I clutched my arm in pain and looked up at the source of the chaos. My aunt and uncle were intoxicated again. Whenever this happens, they act like completely different people—throwing things around without care, like I’m not even there.
On days like this, I try to stay out of their way. I usually go to school and return when the effects have worn off and they’re asleep. But today… I couldn’t. Not with this injury.
Sigh… Could this day get any worse?
I walked into the kitchen to grab the first aid kit.
As soon as I stepped out, holding the kit in one hand and my injured arm with the other, a sudden punch landed on my stomach, knocking the air out of me and sending me to the floor.
“Ouch…” I gasped, clutching my stomach.
Then I heard my uncle’s sickening laughter.
Why are they so determined to make my life miserable?
He staggered toward me and grabbed my neck.
“You should just disappear… you useless child,” he slurred, his breath smelling strongly of alcohol.
I struggled against his grip, panic rising in my chest. Acting on instinct, I pushed him away with what little strength I had. He stumbled backward, clearly unsteady.
“You ungrateful child!” he spat. “After everything we’ve done for you!”
I didn’t wait. As he tried to get up again, I quickly scrambled to my feet and ran to my room, locking the door behind me. I heard a few weak bangs, but soon everything went quiet.
“Whew… thank God,” I whispered, sitting on the bed as I tried to tend to my wounds.
So much for going to school.
I sighed, staring at my bandaged arm. Lexi and Dylan can’t see me like this. I might have to stay away for a while… but I can’t keep staying in this house either.
I needed air.
I pulled on a hoodie to cover my arm and carefully made my way downstairs. I made sure the coast was clear before stepping into the living room—only to find my aunt and uncle tangled on the couch, fast asleep.
“Their life is so easy…” I muttered bitterly.
Using my good hand, I cleaned up the broken glass, being careful not to hurt myself further.
After I was done, I stepped outside and headed to a nearby park. I sat on a swing, gently moving back and forth.
The park was mostly empty since it was school hours. A few children played happily in groups while some adults chatted nearby.
I watched them with a small, bitter smile.
I never had that kind of childhood. Mine was filled with pain, tears, and responsibilities I was too young to carry.
I sniffed, quickly wiping away the tears threatening to fall.
“Life is so unfair…” I murmured, looking up at the cloudy sky.
Rain was coming. I should head back.
I got home fifteen minutes later and went straight to my room, locking both the door and windows.
A girl can never be too careful in a place like this.
I took a quick shower and changed into an oversized T-shirt after rebandaging my arm.
With nothing else to do and the rain pouring heavily outside, I lay on the bed and drifted off to sleep.
I woke up around 7 p.m. and went to the kitchen to eat. I finished quickly, not wanting to run into my aunt or uncle. After washing the dishes, I returned to my room and locked the door.
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, thoughts weighing heavily on my mind.
Later, I went to the bathroom to change my bandage. The wound still looked bad.
For a moment, I considered going to the hospital… but I pushed the thought away.
I finished up and was about to leave when something in the cabinet caught my eye.
It brought back memories I didn’t want to remember.
A time when everything felt too overwhelming… when I almost made a decision I couldn’t take back.
My chest tightened as those thoughts tried to creep in again.
“No one cares… it won’t make a difference…” the whispers in my mind grew louder.
I froze, gripping the edge of the sink.
“No…” I whispered, shaking my head.
My heart pounded as I stepped back, forcing myself to breathe.
“I’m not doing this again.”
With trembling hands, I shut the cabinet firmly.
“God… what’s wrong with me?” I cried softly, holding my head.
I turned on the shower and sat under the cold water, still fully clothed, letting it drown out everything—the noise, the memories, the pain.
At some point, exhaustion took over.
I woke up around 1 a.m., shivering slightly. I dragged myself out of the shower and collapsed onto my bed, too tired to change.
Today has been a messed-up day.
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Some people don’t smile because they’re happy… they smile because it’s the only way to hide the pain. 🌹✨
- Writer
