Hide or Seek

Elliot turns her head back over her shoulder as she soars across the field. Her father is really going to kill her this time. This wasn't the first time this had happened, but it might just be the last. She really messed up this time, she knew that touching mom's perfume would end badly. Elliot just really missed her mom every day so much so it physically hurt. It hits her like a train every morning when she wakes up, in the beginning the sun is shining through the curtains illuminating the dust floating through the air and birds are chirping a melodious harmony outside the window. Then she remembers the only person who ever loved her is dead, her world is gone.

She just wanted to pretend for a little longer that she was still loved.

Elliot could still remember how beautiful her mom was. The way the sun lit up her hair, her eyes the color of a bright sky, laughter twinkling all around and her infectious smile lightening up the entire world. She always smelled like the softest flowers.

She was the only one who could tame the beast in her father, her light to his darkness. His anger and destruction, all the screaming and broken glass echoing throughout the house. It was terrifying, every single day. That's when she would go to her safe place.

There's an old barn on the edge of our property. It's very run down with faded red paint chipping away and rusted tools.

This time, she made sure to pack a bag. It has most of her clothes and all the food Elliot could find. She was just going to wait here until it was safe. School was on Monday and she could not miss any school. She had a test in math class that she could not fail.

Elliot made sure to bring all of her favorite books, she didn't have many but she loved them the best she could. Her mom gave her them for her last birthday: a wrinkle in time; the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe; the sword of shannara. They were her favorite's when she was Elliot's age and the only thing left that her mom gave her. Her father destroyed everything else in one of his moods.

She has to pull on the door as hard as she can to open them, and she can hear the wheels squeak. It's dark and dusty with spider webs everywhere, but still safer than staying home.

Elliot could already feel a chill in the air, it was going to be a long weekend. She was going to have to put more layers on, she was shivering when the wind blew through. Suddenly, she heard the softest meow. She followed the sound throughout the barn. Huddled in the corner, she found an adorable tiny kitten. Grey with orange spots, the little fur ball was hissing and backing away in fear.

Slowly, she got closer and crouched down as low as she could get. She moved as slowly as possible while still getting closer. Eventually, the kitten stopped hissing and starting getting closer as well and started sniffing.

It appeared the kitten was stating to trust her, maybe she saw that she was a kindred soul. Elliot grabbed the kitten and curled up, trying to keep it warm. Slowly, they both drifted off to sleep.

When the morning came, she decided to walk to the nearest library. She put the kitten her pocket. Elliot has no idea how long she walked, until the sun was high in the sky.

When she got to the library, she immediately went to the information desk to talk to Mrs. Lupo. Mrs. Lupo was always very nice to her.

"Is there anything I can do to help you today, sweetie?" Mrs. Lupo asked. Cautiously, Elliot pulled the kitten out of her pocket. Sleepily, the kitten rapidly blinked and yawned stretching. "Do you have some food, maybe?" She questioned.

"Sure thing, darling, and is there anything I can do to help you?" She replied. "No, I'm good. I have everything at home."

After the kitten was fed, they left and Elliot started walking home. A car drove up beside her, Mrs. Lupo's head peeked out. " Can I give you a ride home, sweetheart?"

"No, I'm good. My dad is already on her way," she answered. Something in Mrs. Lupo's face changed, "I'm already heading that way, dear. I can give you a ride, or you can wait at my house for him? I have warm food and cold drink, or an extra bed if you need?"

"If you're sure, I won't impose."

"You won't."

"Alright." Elliot climbed in the car, and they rode off into the sunset.