11 August
Year 22

I found a small letter.
The person who had written it addressed
them self as 'X'.

It was a short sentence that someone had mulled
over for a few minutes before writing it down.

It was her. I did not see her write the letter herself,
nor did I know her font,
but I knew.

The letter was like a last greeting.

"Many things have happened to you...
know that I am not leaving you because
you are a bad person"

It seems like she is telling me to be
courageous and to not suffer.

-

When I got home I felt sick as I heard my sister scream.
I threw open the front door, stopping short
as I saw an all too familiar scene in front of me.

I stopped my father from hitting her again
by grabbing his arm, looking straight into his face.
He was surprised.
I took that to my advantage as I swung my fist at his face.

My sister screamed again as he punched me back.
I tasted rusty iron in my mouth.
My chin hurt.

I grabbed my father by the waist.
He screamed angrily at me.
I ruthlessly punched at his back and shoulders.

The more furious I became
the harder my punches got. 

It was not painful and it was not scary,
but the same cycle would be repeated
if I put my hand on my father
any more than I already had.

I wanted to change.
I really wanted to change.

No, I'm not like my father.
I will protect my family.