Get up!

Your heart racing, you launched yourself out of bed, your legs tangling in the sheets as you scrambled to put distance between yourself and your father. The sudden movement sent the pillow tumbling to the floor, and the sound of its soft thud was the only noise in the room, besides your own ragged breathing. You stumbled backwards. Your hands flailed wildly, as if searching for something to grasp, to hold onto, as you struggled to maintain your balance.

"I have to pee!" You snapped, and ran out of the room.

You burst through the bathroom door, slamming it shut behind you with a trembling hand. The sound of the latch clicking into place was a welcome barrier between you and the unsettling presence of your father. You leaned against the door, your palms flat against the cool surface as you slowed your breathing. The frantic pounding in your chest began to subside, replaced by a dull, anxious hum. Your eyes drifted to the mirror, and you were met with a reflection that looked foreign. You still weren't used to your mothers face staring back at you.

You put that to the side of your mind, and worked on getting yourself ready for the day ahead, on of hopefully avoiding your father, and if you're lucky, being yourself once more.