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“Please, Lilian. No fuss. Stay there until I come back.” Her tone brooks no argument.
Tears sting my eyes, and she ushers me into the closet, closing the doors with a soft click. My world goes black. I press my ear against the wood, straining to hear.
Something crashes. “Shit.”Her footsteps retreat, followed by the door closing.
Seconds later, screams pierce the air. I clamp my hands over my ears, rocking back and forth, willing the noise to stop. Thuds shake the walls. Then, silence.
“Mommy?” I whisper.
Nothing.
I push the closet doors open and crawl out. Fabric litters the floor, a stark white piece catching my eye. I pad over to the door, grabbing the handle. Locked.
Shouts erupt again. “Why is that brat still here? I told you to take care of it.”
“No!”
I scramble backward, falling.
Violent knocks rattle the door, the handle jiggling.
“Lilian. Come out.” Daddy’s voice is cold and sinister. “Daddy needs something.”
My whole body shakes.
“Open this damn door right now!”
I curl into a ball, sobs wracking my body. This can’t be happening. “Daddy? Where’s Mommy?”
“Rose, where’s the fuckin’ key? Where’d you hide it, you lying bitch?”
“You’re not—”
The door shudders and someone pounds on it, Daddy’s shouts growing louder and more desperate. The key turns in the lock. Crashes, thuds, and her screams. A horrifying symphony. A sickening thud rattles the door. Then, silence.
I don’t move. “Daddy?”
“Daddy’s… Daddy’s going for a walk.” My mother’s voice is heavy.
I scramble to the door,twisting and pulling the handle. “Mommy, please! Let me out!” It clicks, but something blocks it.
“Lilian, sweetie…“ Mama’s voice is weak, breathless. “Stay in there, okay? No matter what.”
“Mommy!”
“Help is coming, sweetie. Just wait a little longer.” She coughs, wet and hacking. “Remember our special game? When you hide in the closet?”
“No, I don’t want to play! I want—”
The lock clicks. I stumble back. Something warm and wet seeps between my toes. My stomach lurches at the crimson pool staining the white fabric below me.
“Okay. Sweetie,” my mother says. “Close your eyes for me. Can you do that?”
I obey, tears streaming down my cheeks. The coppery scent of blood fills my nostrils.
“That’s my girl. Now, walk towards me. Keep your eyes closed, no peeking.”
I take a tentative step, my foot squelching in the sticky wetness.