The howling of the winds during a storm never bothered her.
But tonight it was for this reason that she was crawled into the corner.
It was a special storm tonight.
For mother was trapped on her journey home.
Her skin bitten nail still subject to her bites.
Her dark skin looking pale against the moonlight.
Her windows open; awaiting the 'August' visitor.
And her eyes on the clock, It reads 23:03.
He's three minutes late.
An unfamiliar feeling bloomed within; hope.
It kept her warm.
She glanced at the clock again. It read 23:10
The hope is stronger.
By the gods she wished he wouldn't come.
But her fear was crippling so she remained in that dark corner.
The minutes passed slowly and when she looked again, it read 00:00
It was a new day. Surely he wouldn't come again...then she heard the sounds.
The sounds he made with his boots upon the creaking staircase.
The scratching sounds his nails made against the battered wooden rails.
She knew when he entered the room
The moon reflecting in eyes that looked just like hers.
She saw herself in him.
The striking resemblance of a father with a daughter.
He was gentle. He always was.
Taking his time, treating her like he treasured her. Laying her down softly on the wooden bed.
Soothing her shaggy hair with his palm.
It happened every night when mother wasn't around. She was never around though.
But she had promised tonight, her betrayal stung.
So when she feels his essence fill her it doesn't sting like the betrayal.
When his face clouds in sickening pleasure, she doesn't weep.
And when he leaves, she still can't breathe.
Ten years later.
She has moved to a new house.
It's a stormy night.
The clock reads 00:00.
And she's sitting in the dark corner.
Mae.
© Ema(Mae)