To everyone outside, they seemed happy.

Laughing children with loving parents.

A perfect family. A perfect picture.

Yet as night fell, the lies became clear.

Words like venom spewed and burnt. Small, petrified whimpers fell on deaf ears. Bitter angry tears cascaded down.

Another dark night..

Dawn came. So did another facade.

Fake smiles; forced laughter, dark eyes.

No one saw what they truly where. No-one cared enough to see.

The stars shone as the moon settled into the sky.

A drunken mind; clenched fists raised, a blossom of purple and black flowering upon the skin.

A strangled cry.

Another pain-filled night.

Questions left unanswered, sinister secrets swept under closed doors, Puzzles left in pieces.

Shadows leapt and danced at twilight.

A scream of fear shattering the silence of the night. A glint of silver, a rain of crimson.

A shattered picture.

Red, blue, red blue: flashing lights pierce the darkest of hours.

Shocked neighbours crowed around; the constant question asked "why?"

The terrified tears of the orphaned children, witnessing the deadliest of deeds.

A broken facade.

A not-so-perfect family.