Done Running

Brandi

A sharp kick in my stomach pulls me from sleep. I open my eyes slowly, adjusting to the sunlight coming in. I’m disoriented for a minute, but then it all comes back to me. I remembered what happened the night my mother died and Colin sedating me again after I confronted him. I look around the room. I’m alone. Where is he? I freeze as I realize I’m in the room that once belonged to my parents. Well, at least a replica. My breathing slows as I examine the paintings and the furniture. Everything is the same, even the bed. Mom loved sunflowers so dad made a bedhead with sunflowers and gave it to her for their 10th anniversary. I smile as I remember how happy we were that day when suddenly, the image of my parents lying on this bed covered in blood pops into my head.

My hands shake as image as my breathing gets heavier.

Bang, Bang.

“Mom, Dad,”

“No!” I scream as the scene replays in my head. No, mom, no. I cry out when another sharp kick pulls me back to the current moment. I look dow