Chapter 18 Coffee

• Amia
• I beat the alarm this morning. My eyes were already open as it blared. The pain was a dull ache now as I crawled to the edge of the bed. I’m hoping Mom and Greg sleep in since they went to bed early this morning. The safest course of action would be to go out the window but I really don’t want to take the chance of breaking my leg again. I just need to get out of here before he wakes up.
• I dressed for school as quickly as possible and peaked through the crack in the door. When I was sure it was clear I took my first hesitant step into the hallway. Every day in this house was hell. I was constantly on the edge. It was as if my fight or flight was constantly activated. I tiptoed down the hall as quietly as possible, careful not to step on the pieces I knew would groan under my weight. I’m finally working my way down the stairs when one of the floorboards creaked. My heart dropped and I froze as I listened for any sign of movement from upstairs. When I don’t hear anything, I continued to make my way downstairs. When my feet touched the bottom floor I let out a breath of relief. I dove for the door when I saw a blur of color in the corner of my eye. When I realized who it was I slumped against the wall.