Prologue
I stared in horror as I watched my mother stand over the now deceased body of my father. Her breathing was heavy. A bloodied knife in her hand. Her bright pink and frilly apron that said “Kiss the Cook” was also stained with blood.
My father's eyes were now empty, the life had faded out of them. His body had multiple stab wounds, especially around his chest area, inflicted by the woman who had promised to be with him in sickness and in health. His life was taken by her own hands.
I looked at my mother.
“Mommy?...” I called out feebly.
She looked at me, the knife falling from her hands and clattering on the wooden floor.
She approached me, her arms opened wide, wrapping around my little body and lifting me in the air, cradling me to her chest.
She whispered in my ear, “It's okay, my little one… He won't hurt you. He won't hurt you and I ever again.” Her hand caressing my back as my body trembled.
My hand gripped her shirt tightly as tears streamed down my face. “Mommy…”
I heard police sirens outside, approaching our little apartment. I know the police usually come to get the bad guys… But daddy was already gone… So who's the bad guy they were coming to get?
My body was still trembling in my mommy's arms, I held her shirt tightly. I didn't want her to go. I didn't want them to take her.
She held me like that until the police arrived. They broke down the door and started rushing in, their guns pointing in all directions. One of them approached us as he noticed daddy's body behind us. He saw the blood on mommy's apron and looked at his colleagues.
“What happened here, ma'am?” The policeman asked mommy.
I was quick to start answering, not wanting mommy to get in trouble “Daddy attacked Mommy and-!” Mommy immediately covered my mouth.
Why? Why did she do that? They're gonna take her away. No. They're gonna take mommy.
“I killed him. I stabbed him repeatedly. The knife is right beside him. His blood is also on my apron. I'm guilty. Yes. You can arrest me. So please leave my daughter out of this.” Mommy explained with a low tone.
“I see. Well then, you're under arrest, ma'am. Anything you say or do will be used against you in the court.” The policeman said as he brought out handcuffs from his pockets. I've never seen a real one. Only in movies, but I know they use it to take in bad guys like Mojo JoJo… But mommy isn't a bad guy… She saved me.
Mommy looked at me and smiled softly, the smile that always made me smile too, but right now, it was making me cry. She kissed my forehead and held me tighter.
“I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm being very selfish right now… I don't want to leave you alone but I have no choice. I want you to grow up and be a brave girl for mommy, okay? You're a beautiful girl… A very strong beautiful girl. I'm sure we'll see each other again, sweetheart… But until then, Mr Teddy will be with you in my stead, okay? Mr Teddy will look after you, anytime you miss me, just cuddle with him, Okay? I love you so much, Zamora. Please, no more tears. You're a brave girl.”
She used her thumb to wipe my falling tears, her other arm still around my trembling body.
“Mommy… Don't go, Mommy. I wanna be with you, Mommy” I said to her, my voice quivering with each word I utter from my mouth.
She smiled again, her eyes filling with tears as well. She hugged me again before turning to one of the police officers, who was a woman. She stood up and approached the woman, handing me to her.
“Please just hold her… Please.” Mommy pleaded with the woman, her tears having begun streaming down her face.
The policewoman was shaken, but she hesitantly took me from my mother's arms. I struggled and squirmed incredibly. I didn't want some random policewoman to hold me. I wanted Mommy to hold me. I wanted Mommy to hold me and sing to me. I wanted Mommy to hold me and read me bedtime stories. I want Mommy to hold me and comb my curly hair and say I have beautiful hair. I want Mommy to hold me and say I have beautiful brown eyes.
I want Mommy to hold me.
The policeman put the handcuffs on mommy and started to lead her out the door. I was still squirming in the policewoman's arms, screaming and crying, desperate to get to Mommy. Mr Teddy had fallen from my arms, gone and forgotten. My struggle was to no avail, the policewoman held me tight, not willing to let go. I watched Mommy walk away, past the doors of our small apartment.
Please don't take my Mommy.
Please.
