He raised his hand once more

She knew the pain would be intense

If she could just not cry

Not make a sound she prayed

Go away

Think of anything but the pain

Go to your safe place she thought

Run

Hurry

Before he connects with your face again

And again

Why

She prayed

She tried to be good

She tried to stay out of the way

Not to be seen

Just invisible

She would try harder next time

Yes she would succeed

She would

She had to

What choice did she have

She knew the answer

Live or Die

She would live

In spite of him