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Copyright 2012 © Mary L. Ball
Sam’s eyes popped open. She heaved a
rapid breath. A rough, sweaty hand rubbed her head.
Hungry fingers clumsily caressed her hair and brushed against
her cheek. The air filled with an odd stench and
assaulted her nose. Sam’s stomach churned. She swallowed back
the nausea that stirred from the pungent reek of liquor. With a quick breath, she squelched the
panic that bolted through her like lightening and concentrated
on the eerie shadow that lurked above her head. The light from a moonbeam shined across
the room and created a spotlight on the staggering silhouette. Immediately, she recognized Rob. She jerked her body up in an instant. Quickly, her head hit the couch hard as
her body slammed down tight with the cushions. Rob lashed out
and grabbed the front of her blouse. The gold-colored shiny
circles popped off as the cotton material ripped. Sam clawed his face, managing to pull
away and scramble to her feet. She forged the strength from somewhere
deep within and gave him a quick shove. His body fell backward. Her heart leapt as she raced toward the
simmering glow coming from the nightlight in the hallway. Rob
dashed after her like a dog snapping at her heels. As Sam approached her front door, her
peripheral vision glimpsed the statue made of metal perched on
the shelf over her coat rack. She knew the little figurine
wouldn’t offer much defense because it was small and hollow, but
what other choice did she have? Quickly, she snatched up the horse. She
whacked Rob, hitting him hard, then another time, until he
staggered and fell. Sam ran as fast as she could and left
Rob lying on the hallway floor. A moan escaped his lips as a
trickle of blood oozed from his head. She scurried down the steps as remorse
hit her. Of all the stupid things she could’ve done! Why had she
forgotten to lock her door? Sam dashed down the sidewalk. She was
aware, vaguely, of the passing city blocks. The sting of the air in her eyes, on
her cheeks, slowly revealed the brutal chill. The February night
embraced her entire body. Her skin tingled as the wintry air
swirled inside her torn garment. With shivering hands, Sam grabbed the
fabric and held tight. She blinked and fought against tears as
they trickled down her cheek. This was no time to cry—she needed
to stay strong. Blurred with emotion, she was grateful
for living in the city. The streetlights shined on the sidewalk
and gave her a clear path in the night. After a few blocks, she slowed down to
a jog, finally able to stop running. Sam’s heart beat in rapid
succession as she leaned against a building and heaved, barely
aware of the frosty concrete pressed against her back. Sam concentrated on inhaling slow
breaths in and out, until her lungs felt normal again. She slid down the rough surface and
landed flat on the icy sidewalk. Crouched down, Sam held her
ribs as they throbbed. Rubbing her cheeks, she swiped away the
moisture that flowed over her face. No, she wouldn’t give in to despair.
Now she could go back to the police and get help. Maybe, with a
court order, she could keep Rob away. She could concentrate on
getting her life back on the right track. Sam sat there in the dismal hour of
darkness and focused on calming her shaky nerves. Her emotions drained her. Hunkered down
on the sidewalk mindlessly, Sam watched the nightlife across the
street. After what seemed like hours, pins and
needles pricked her frigid, stiff body. She clutched at her torn
top and shivered once more. How could she have nowhere to go?
How did she manage to lose connections to all her friends? They
had all married or moved away. Totally alone, she knew there was no
other choice but to return home.
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