My tired some body grows weak as I lay in my bed. My eyes began to feel as if they weighed 100 pounds. I try to fight back, but it's no use. I immediately fall victim to sleep, and rest my eyes to dream. All of a sudden the horrible stench of cigarettes and gin enter my nostrils. That is when I knew my night had just begun.


“GET OUT THAT BED” he screamed. Tears began to flow down my face as I looked into his deranged eyes. I could see the anger on his face. My heart began to race as I watched him take off the leather belt from around his waist. I dropped to my knees, shaking and begging him to not do this.” It’s already been done!” He said as he wrapped the belt around his large fist.



He started attacking me almost instantly. Strike after strike, each one harder than the last, I continuously begged for mercy. “Why wont you stop” I cried, there is no answer. It was up until the final blow to the face, I got my answer. I uncovered my face to notice blood pouring from my nose and mouth. I cried even harder. Blinded by my tears, I could hardly notice the missing teeth lying on the ground. “HA HA” he laughed as he watched my bruised, beaten body shake on the cold, hard wood floors.


Frightened and shaking uncontrollably, I managed to look at his rumpled up face. He had a snide grin, as if he were proud about what he had done. My heart sank, shattering into a million pieces. He won, I had broken down. “Why did this happen?” I can’t believe this is the man I call my dad. This is the man who once loved and cared for me so much. His little girl, his only girl. Why me? Didn't he love me still, even if the slightest little bit? I once meant everything to him. Now I am nothing. Alcohol has more value to him than my life.


I found strength to pick up my sore, weak body from the floor. I walked to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. The sight is horrific. As I looked at my swollen, bloody face, I didn’t recognize my self. This couldn’t possibly be me. I am only 12 years old but my now bruised face said otherwise. I can’t bare to look in this mirror any longer. I dragged myself back into my room.


While I was lying in bed I became uneasy, as the images of what took place tonight ran through my mind like a marathon. I could vividly remember looking into the mirror. Although I seen the reflection of a young girl, I did not see a reflection of myself, because the reflection staring back is not me.