Cheers team tiny peppers today I have for you another chapter from my upcoming book. This chapter will follow directly after Char’s chapter.  (TRIGGER WARNING) This chapter deals with domestic violence.  I have chosen not to chronicle the violence itself, but instead what follows and some flash back.  I have also chosen not to describe the abuser Mitch because his character is of no significance and does not deserve description.  I had a hard time choosing that characters name because it felt like I would be maligning someone undeservedly.  I just ended up choosing a name I don’t care for.  Post # 5 for Nano Poblano done! Enjoy.

Fai

Through blood streaked golden blond strands and tears Fai fingers the raised numbers of the card she was given and contemplates making the call that might save her life. She wrestles with the guilt, shame, and hopelessness of the situation.  No one knows. Who would believe her?  She remembers the good times and wonders how it has gotten this bad? He slowly and insidiously turned up the heat, giving her just enough crumbs of good to keep her clinging to the belief that it would get better, or go back to the way it was in the beginning. She’s been gas lit for so long that she believes half the crap he feeds her, and has a difficult time trusting her own judgment. The call could end her life too if they don’t get there in time.  Even if they do he promised to find her and kill her should she ever try to leave. Paralyzed with fear she returns the card to its hiding place, cleans herself up, and commences with the household chores and dinner in preparation for his arrival.  Tonight will be better she tells herself. She’ll make everything just the way he likes it and things will get back to normal.

Fai comes to in the kitchen several hours later. She’s bleeding from her nose and mouth, and her head aches fiercely. She does her best to recollect what happened. How long had she been unconscious? She listens for Mitch’s where-abouts in the house but hears nothing.  He’s either passed out or has left. He was already toasted when he came home which was unusual.  It doesn’t take long for the images to flood her brain of the perfect dinner gone wrong.  She wore his favorite dress, soft blue like her eyes he said. The modest cleavage he had previously adored was suddenly the reason for him calling her a whore, and accusing her of fancying herself up for someone other than him.  It didn’t matter what the truth was, it never did. He just needed an excuse to strike her.  There were broken dishes and pieces of his favorite fried chicken dinner strewn about the floor.  She ponders if she can get to the card in its hiding place, and where she might hide until help arrives. When she attempts to move searing pain in her ankle stops her from standing.  Mitch appears to be gone. She crawls to where the card is hidden and with shaky hands dials the number to the shelter hotline.  She doesn’t remember the conversation, it is all a blur. She waits terrified on the floor by the door for help to arrive. When a non descript white van pulls up in front of the house, she opens the door and a shelter team carry her to the van and they speed away toward safety.  A kind woman on the shelter team assesses her condition and suggests they get medical treatment, but Fai is terrified to go to the hospital because Mitch will find her.  They clean her up and wrap her ankle. They have a doctor who comes to the shelter but he won’t be available till the following day.  Fai is wheeled into the shelter just as the evening staff is arriving.  When Fai looks up and sees her sister Char, she is simultaneously horrified and relieved.