Daddy At The Door

There was only one rule: don’t open the door.

"Open the door, Ellie. It's daddy."

Mummy was super clear: don't open the door especially to daddy.

WHAM! The door rattles when daddy kicks it.

"C'mon poppet, I won't punish you, just let me in."

SLAM! Crumbly stuff lands on the floor. I see prickles of light around the lock.

I pull myself and Buzzy Bear tight into the coat cupboard.

Mummy and daddy aren't friends anymore. I hear them argue on the phone about Heather. I've never met Heather, but she must be daddy's really good friend because he talks to her all the time.

"Hon, it's really important you open this door NOW."

SMASH! The glass cracks like a spiderweb.

I press Buzzy Bear to my face. He makes it easier to breathe.

There's noise outside, nee-naa cars, flashing red and blue.

"Baby, PLEASE open the door!"

I hear a serious man tell daddy, "Sir, come away from the door. Walk towards me. For your family's sake."

"But my daughter's inside, she's just inside the door..."

"I understand, sir. That's why we're here. Now step away."

I hear fighting. Daddy cries like someone is hurting him.

"Ellie, we need to break down this door," says the serious man. "Can you move away, somewhere inside?"

I don't answer. But my head is muzzy and I can't really think properly.

There's a SMAAAASH and the door flies open.

Lots of policemen come in.

One of them goes into the kitchen, stepping over mummy, and turns off all the gas hobs on the stove.

A lady kneels down to me.

"Hello love. Daddy told me your mummy sent him a scary message. But we're gonna take care of you now. I'm Heather. I'm from Social Services."