Silent Bonds

nce I was twelve. I've been at the mercy of my father and the pack since I was twel

r, I understood the truth. It was not my fault, but it wasn't enough to erase the

ctly fit the stereotype of a wicked stepmother. She was mean, driven by a desire for weal

ly died during a rogue attack, leaving behind hertwin daughters, Nevaeh and Hazel. Nevaeh w

brown eyes (hence her name, Hazel), and softer features. Nevaeh, like her mother,

nd whatever tasks were assigned to me. My daily routine began at 6 am when I

cal, mental and verbal abuse. Most nights, the beatings consisted of a few punches and kicks, but on worse

I did manage to sneak some, it was either scraps or leftovers. My ma

at the age of thirteen, I bonded with mine at thetender age of twelve, shortly after my mo

pirits when I felt down, to encourage me to persevere when I consider

gentle mental reminder, sna

walls and floors, devoid of windows or heating. My bed consisted of an old mattress on the floor with a th

arents were in love, and their love was evident in the way they showed affection to each other. My mothe

asons why my father abused me because i was a con

the love he had for me turned to hate, that's when my happy life changed to the saddest one ever.

ill alive, and we were still a happy family. I wiped away a stray tear and set

father grunted asthey all took their seats at the table.

collecting ripe vegetables. When I finished, I carried the basket in and i

roaching me. I quickly turned toward the si

tense and then relaxas I recognized it. I turned to s

aidit," she asked with a sweet smile. I nodded and followed her ups

you," Hazel said with a smile when I f

he small chest at the corner of my room. Carefully, I opened it and looked at what was inside: my m

my mother's birthday during a pack barbecueparty. I sat on my father's shoulders, a big smile on m

the candles on my cake while my mother held it. She was laughing, having picked one

at the photo, tears filled my eyes. I placed everything gent

to a ball, and cried myself to sleep, longi