I lie here listening for footsteps in the hall.
Praying that you will not return again
It hurts so much
You forced me to go too far last time.
You have made me grow up too fast.
My childhood is not the same.
It hurts so badly when you are home.
You break me.
You bruise me
You make me cry out silently in my head.
The agony in my eyes shines through
And I have to stare at the ground to avoid the judgment of the world watching my every move.
I have so much hurt.
So much pain.
So much guilt.
Why can’t you just find a new toy?
I am only seven years old.
