Prologue
                       ~Temilade~
We all experience different waves or rather shades of life as we grow.

                              ~¤~¤~¤~
As I moved closer to the wooden door of my parents' room, the cries became more intense and then, I knew it had happened again.

My father had beaten my mother once more.

When I had finally gotten to the door, I gave it a slight knock but I received no response. I took in a deep breath and opened the door.

My father immediately walked out of the room after acknowledging my presence. My mother's head was bent over in her palms as she continued sobbing.

I walked over to the bedside where her wheelchair was placed and began patting her back gently, reassuring her that all would be well.

Was all really going to be well?

My father's incessant beatings got her paralysed and she was placed on a wheelchair few months ago. Even after that happened, he didn't hesitate to beat her at the slightest irritation.

She even tried reporting him to his relatives but they didn't believe her.

As far as I'm concerned, he ceased to be my father the first day he raised his hand against my mother.

My family wasn't in any way the best. To outsiders, my father was a loyal business man and philanthropist but to his nuclear family, he was a beast.

My mother owned a supermarket where she went to each day before she became handicapped.

I myself was always seen as the perfect daughter, unknowing to anyone that they knew absolutely nothing about me but what I wanted them to know.

My younger brother, David, was the only normal person in our family. He was 'that guy' in school that every girl could kill to be in a conversation with, that guy that was the leader of the 'cool guys in school' gang and many other qualities.

Diverse personalities under one roof.

After a few minutes, I spoke up,

"Mum, crying won't change the fact that father abuses you despite your condition. You just have to brace up, wash your face and get over it."

I know I sounded harsh but that was what she needed to hear.

Mother rose her head up and I gasped at her swollen jaw and bruised cheeks.

"See what your father did to me." She said while pointing to her paralysed legs on the wheelchair.

"Yet, I still loved him like I've never loved a person before. And look at what he repays my love with." She said, this time pointing to her battered face and body.

At that point, I was short of words. I gathered myself together and spoke to her.

"I..I don't know your pain, Mum but I want you to wipe your tears and forget about it. I know it's easier said than done but please, for the sake of the love you have for father, stop crying." I managed to say.

"I've heard you, Temi. I'll try my best." She said with a smile.

I nodded and left the room.

                   ~Author's note~
How was it, guys? I just started writing it yesterday night and I finished it this morning.

Pls, don't forget to vote, comment and share.

- Eniolaniwa123❤