[Child of God]: 416.Five Words - Contest.January

Two small eyes peered out from beneath the piano lid, scanning the room fearfully. Was it safe to come out yet? Or was she just waiting for him to emerge from his hiding place? What had he done to have her pursue him so? Why did she not love him anymore? What had he done? When she had first been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he had been assured it wasn’t his fault. “She can’t control herself. She really doesn’t know what she’s doing when the disorder takes over.” But she had loved him, up until the day the symptoms had suddenly, without warning, appeared. Since that day, the incense of hate which came from her steadily increased. The smoke of the incense had surrounded only him. The smoke which now became stronger. Crouching rigidly, not moving and holding his breath, he silently prayed she would leave. Those prayers went unanswered as the lid was thrown open and malicious hands grabbed the back of his neck. Before he had even reached the ground, the beating ensued. Curling into a ball, he closed his eyes; not because of one who beat him, but rather the one who was forcing her to do it. The pain grew worse and worse, until he couldn’t breath anymore. Opening his eyes slightly, he could see her pain behind the eyes of the demon who possessed her. With his dying breath, the child could only mutter the word “Mommy” before fading into darkness.