Chapter 1

I heard my father call my name, he had been like that since I knew him, and he had always used a harsh tone on me. I am already used to hearing it anyway.

"Kate!" My father called

I walked slowly into the house and opened the door, my father stood in my face, and I raised an eyebrow, wondering why he had to shout my name like I was dead. Even though I wished for death, this man would not give it to me.

I looked at him, expecting him to say something, he just stood in my way, his hands folded, eyes turning red and ready to burn. I knew that something had gone wrong.

" What" I said to him, trying to push my way through his side so I could pass.

" What is that in your hand?" He asked me, looking at me sternly. I know my father was not blind and could see what was in my hands, but I was in no mood for that. I made my way inside and placed what I was holding on the center table.

I was already standing a little away from him, I looked at him and then at what was on the table, he would not care, why do I bother? My lips curved in a smile, a smile that screamed pain. I adjusted myself and let my eyes descend on him.

" I bought it for myself," I said with a shaky voice even though I was not lying. I do not know how it sounded like a lie.

" With my money, you stole my money, Kate"

I opened my mouth but could not utter a word. I looked at him disgusted, at least, I do not have a record in my book that talks about theft, maybe I would steal something worth stealing in the future but right now, I did not take my father's money. He barely has any money at all, so I do not know which one would be left for me to steal.

" I did not steal any money, I bought it with my money," I said, trying so hard to defend myself.

He came at me, he dragged my hair, I missed my steps and landed on the ground. I know he is aware that I would not steal his money but he would not just let me be. I felt a sharp pain in my nose, I raised my hands and touched my nose, the red stain on my fingers gave it away, I was bleeding.

I raised my face, and all I felt was pain.

He picked up what I had bought, took some, and ate.

"Never you steal from me again," he said to me and stormed out of the house, hitting the door behind him.

I sighed, lifting myself, I took the cake to my room. I did not want to pay attention to my nose but I had to wash off the blood.

I walked to the sink and cleaned it, the cold water was comforting to me.

I went to the cake, took some of it, and ate it, I spat it out, not because it was not of a great taste but because I felt awful, life had not been fair to me.

I sat on my bed, wondering what it would have been like if Mum was here with me, it was my birthday and not even my father bothered, It was not important to anyone though. I closed my eyes, and the images of my mum wishing me a happy birthday ran through my mind's eyes, I could see her face beaming with smiles.

My smile dropped, and I opened my eyes.

" How could she?" I screamed.

I looked around the room, the cake was probably the only thing looking attractive. I fixed my eyes on it, trying to get beautiful memories but none came.

" Why did she leave me?" I asked myself.

Ever since my mum left me, it had not been easy living with just my dad.

I could not do anything, my father would not let me. I had tried to get a job but he said I should not try his patience, I was just here with him, and it felt like my life was just at a pause. He thinks I would one day run away like my mother did, well, he is right, who would get the chance to run away and would choose to stay? Absolutely no one.

I lay on the bed. I struggled to keep my eyes closed but they just would not close, I kept them open instead, I felt a teardrop, and I wiped it off with my palm, I could not afford to be weak.

Just then, the door to my room opened, I was too weak to stand but strength came in me when I saw that my father was not alone, he had someone with him.

I stood up, wondering what was going on. I looked at my father, of course, expecting him to talk.

" Look, Kate, I need some money, or else you and I will starve"

I felt disgusted and disappointed, how could he, this is his way of getting us food?

I looked at the man he had brought, an old haggard-looking man, wearing loose trousers that looked like someone bigger than his size had landed them on him. His beard looked so unkempt. His face looked like those criminals running away from the corps.

I got scared, the man walked closer to me, his breath making me want to throw up, and he pushed me to the bed, I was too weak to struggle with such a man, I looked at my father for help, but he did not pity me, I looked at him till he left the room, I was left alone with this man, he pinned both my hands to the bed, I could not struggle, not even was I able to kick as he overpowered me, he had his way with me while I cursed under my breath to be free from his painful grip.