| Title: The Mirror The empty bottle that rested on her dresser, sat there…almost mocking her. Its contents were scattered next to it, like brightly coloured candies. There would be no sweetness in their taking…just release from the monster in the next room. She could hear his loud rasping breathing as he lay on the sofa. She took the half finished bottle of JD from under the bed and unscrewed the cap. Strong fumes of the liquor hit her nostrils, causing her to cough. Laughing quietly, her shoulders shook at the tragic image looking back at her in the mirrors reflection. Her mascara had run down her face in black rivulets, her red lipstick, smeared across her chin by cruel fingers. She’d been pretty once, but pain had caused premature lines to form, bearing witness to her suffering. “Look at you…you are a waste of space,” she said to her reflection, mimicking his favorite insult. “Useless whore, you’re only good for what’s between your legs, and I can get that anywhere,” She wrapped her arms around herself, fresh tears falling. Wiping them away, angry with herself, she scooped the pills off the dresser and rested them on her lap. Taking a big mouthful of the whiskey, choking as the liquor hit the back of her throat. It’s warmth spread to her cold limbs giving them life again. She picked up a pill and studied it, before taking the capsule apart. Careful not to spill a drop of the white powder inside, she knew how mad he got if she made a mess… The whiskey fizzed as she emptied the capsules into it. She screwed the lid on and shook it, making sure it had dissolved. She took a corner the bed sheet, wiping her fingerprints from it; she put it back under the bed. Picking up the pill bottle, she hastily stuffed the empty capsules back into it. Starting as she heard a snort from the lounge…and then silence, followed by heavy footsteps on the hard wooden floor. The door opened to reveal her tormentor, the bulk of his frame obscuring all light from the doorway. She shrank back against the covers, knowing resistance was useless as he came towards her, stooping briefly to retrieve his liquor bottle from under the bed. He took the cap off and looked down at her on the bed as he begun to unbuckle his belt. She knew what was coming next…pain. She looked desperately at the whiskey bottle, willing him to take a sip…just one…that’s all. The bottle was pressed against his lips, he tipped his head back and swallowed. She watched the movements of his throat in detached fascination. The bottle fell from his grip, smashing on the floor. A look of horror on his face as he followed it and breathed no more. She got up from the bed on shaky legs, retrieving her hidden case. She opened the front door and stepped out into the bright sun, a smile on her face…she was free. THE END |