I soundlessly close the hard wood door. It is ornate and my mother said it is made of the finest wood. I do not think that is true because it makes many noises, especially at night when the restless winds blow. Somehow, I was able to soundlessly close it. I quietly creep through my house like a little mouse near a fat, hungry cat. I check to see if anybody is home, but I find that I am all alone. I sigh heavily. My thumping heart slows its pace. Quickly, I run upstairs and begin to pack. If he finds me here, I know I will be in trouble. I grab the bulky blue bag and start to thrust all the clothes I can find into it, my heart is still thumping. Tap, tap, tap. I hear his footsteps walking hastily towards the door. My heart stills for a moment before returning at an even faster pace. The front door opens loudly and slams shut—boom. He bellows my name ear splittingly. My eyes squeeze closed. My whole body becomes rigid and stiff. A clandestine tear glistens in the afternoon sun as it slides down my cheek.

Slowly, I trek down the stairs. He is waiting for me. His bald head and fat face appear more menacing than ever before. His swollen belly bulges out in the tight red polo shirt he wears. His corpulent legs can be seen through the fitting khaki pants hanging low on his hips. His hefty feet are kept imprisoned in his leather shoes. A blue vein protrudes out of his forehead in anger. His brows are furrowed in malice. As I reach him, his sausage like hands encircle my tan, thin neck and he slams me against the wall. All sorts of vulgar, foul words escape his lips. By the minute distance between his face and mine, I see his yellow-stained, jagged teeth. Beer breath wafts toward my nose. My heart has reached its maximum rate. My brain goes onto over drive. When his bloodshot eyes fix upon me, fear paralyzes me like the demonic stare of a basilisk.

He smiles a sinister smile and his plump fist pulls back like a spring but before it could reach me, I shove my knee upward. As he crumples in pain, I make a run for it. I forget about the bulky blue bag of clothes. I forget about all of the trinkets I am leaving behind. I forget about my mother and soon to be baby brother. I forget about the only home I ever had. All I know is that I need to get away from him. The fear that has been escalating up till now has reached breaking point. All I know is that I need to run away from my father.